Wildlife whiz, reptile enthusiast, and fishing champion, Kelly blends curiosity, conservation, and a fierce love for every creature.
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Kelly finds the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary, whether it is the small insects hiding on the undersides of leaves in the garden, shed antlers in a cow pasture, or baby crawfish clinging to their mother's belly. She recently took a trip to Costa Rica, and she spent hours admiring the hundreds of moths that came out each evening. Kelly finds joy in the variety of nature, and is always interested in getting outside and discovering more wonderful things.
Snakes! Snakes! (Why does it have to be snakes?) From the age of 3, Kelly has carried around a laminated field guide for identifying local snakes based on their physical characteristics, habitats, and behavior. She completed an independent study at school on venom, proudly telling her classmates about the differences between hemo- and neurotoxins, and correcting anyone (and everyone) on the correct use of the word "venom" (injected toxins) vs "poison" (ingested toxins).
Kelly loves to look for creatures anywhere and everywhere. She flips over rocks to find insects and snakes. She seines the local pond to find baby catfish, softshell turtle, and crawfish. She has rescued possums out of trashcans, helped turtles cross the road, and rescued baby dove from busy intersections. She is an expert fisherman and the best lizard hunter in town. She catches frogs on summer evenings, and tries to see how many she can catch on any given night before releasing them.
Vote for Kelly to become the 2026 Jr. Ranger while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation—supporting the National Wildlife Federation in their mission to protect wildlife and preserve wild places for future generations.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Jr. Ranger, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
