Logo courtesy of Junior Ranger Program

GRANITE BAY, CA (MPG) - Silas Wheeler, a young Granite Bay resident with a deep love for wildlife and the outdoors, has advanced to the Top 5 in the national Jr. Ranger program, a nationwide competition that celebrates kids who care about animals and the planet. Public voting to move Silas into the next round closes Thursday, May 5 at 7 p.m. 

Anyone can cast one free vote per day on Silas’s profile page. Additional votes tied to  optional Donations benefit the National Wildlife Federation, which works to protect wildlife  and preserve Natural spaces across the country. 

Silas is known around the neighborhood for his fearless curiosity, his love of fishing with his Grandfather and a big fascination with giraffes. Those traits helped earn him a spot in the  Top 10 of his age group, one round away from the finals. 

The Jr. Ranger Program is produced by Colossal in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation. It is open to children ages 4 through 12. The grand prize winner receives  $20,000, a feature in Ranger Rick magazine and a wildlife experience with Emmy-winning  conservationist Jeff Corwin. 

“Silas has a joyful, fearless way of connecting with the outdoors, and watching our  community rally around him has been the best part of this,” said Tesha Storm, who is  helping share Silas’s story. “Every vote is a boost for a kid who genuinely loves nature, and  every donation vote helps protect the wild places he dreams about.” 

How To Support Silas

Vote free, once a day, at https:/jr-ranger.org/2026/silas-662e 

Add a donation with your vote to benefit the National Wildlife Federation • Share Silas’s page with friends and neighbors before the Thursday, May 7 deadline.

About the Jr. Ranger Program

The Jr. Ranger Program, produced by Colossal with the National Wildlife Federation, spotlights young adventurers who love wildlife and the outdoors. The 2026 competition is open to children Ages 4 through 12. The champion earns $20,000, a Ranger Rick magazine feature and a Wildlife experience with Jeff Corwin.