Kids like you can make a difference for wildlife and the environment. Meet some inspiring young heroes who have turned their love of animals into action! 

Gia P., Terrapin Hero 
On a visit to a local beach, 8-year-old  Gia P. learned that diamondback terrapins living near her Long Island, New York, home were regularly injured or killed by cars and boats. She made up her mind to do something. Gia spoke to local officials and environmental groups to understand more about the terrapins. She learned that they’re the only turtles that live in a mix of salt water and fresh water, such as marshes and creeks near the ocean. Gia also discovered that many people in her neighborhood did not know that boats can hurt or kill terrapins.

Gia took action. She designed a sign for boaters reading, “Go Slow, Terrapins Below.” Then she convinced her local government to make the signs and put them up in parks along the bay. For her work as a turtle champion, Gia won the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. “I’ve learned that, by being brave and using my voice, I can stand up for our environment,” said Gia.

Meet more kid superstars!

Do you have a story to share about helping wildlife and the environment? Email us at buzz@nwf.org. We love hearing everyone’s stories, but we are able to feature only a few of them. All submissions become the property of the National Wildlife Federation.