On the Olympic Peninsula where tide pools are treasure hunts & forests are playgrounds. Aussie mom, American dad adventure is in her DNA
Thank you for generously supporting Nova in this year’s competition. Your participation helps empower the National Wildlife Federation in their mission to protect wildlife, restore habitats, and inspire the next generation of conservationists.
What is Jr. Ranger?
Learn MoreNature feels like a giant treasure hunt to Nova. She’s always the first to spot the banana slug on the trail or the tiny crab hiding in a tide pool. She crouches down, studies everything closely, and asks a hundred questions about how animals live and why they belong there. To her, the forest and the ocean aren’t just places to visit — they’re neighborhoods full of creatures she wants to understand and protect.
Her favorite animal is the banana slug. She loves that they’re bright yellow and easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. Whenever we hike she’s on “banana slug patrol,” making sure no one accidentally steps on them. She says they’re special because they remind people to slow down and pay attention to the small things in nature that are just as important as the big ones.
Exploring tide pools at low tide. She carefully looks under rocks to find crabs, sea stars, and anemones and always reminds everyone to put the rocks back “so the animals can keep their homes.” She treats every tide pool like a little underwater world she’s lucky enough to visit.
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.
