In a classroom in Martinsburg, West Virginia, home of the Berkeley Heights Elementary School Badgers, the sounds of curiosity and excitement fill the air. Mrs. Kelly Gray’s Roots and Shoots students sit as a group, planning their next adventure and learning about the world around them – a world that includes wolves. With the walls of the classroom decorated like a safari, and with Mrs. Gray brining her creativity and passion, the students could be anywhere in the world. Where did they choose to be? The Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, New York.

The Roots and Shoots program, founded by Dr. Jane Goodall, empowers youth to make the world a better place, and with Mrs. Gray at their side, the students have done just that. As a group, they explored the world around them, with curiosity and awe, and in doing so, learned of the plight of wolves. Wolves in North America and across the world are under threat, with significantly reduced populations confined to just a fraction of their historical range. Upon learning this, the students knew they wanted to do something to help. As a group, they researched different threats to wolves, where they lived, and different organizations helping them. That’s how they learned about the Wolf Conservation Center (the Center).

At the same time this exploration in the classroom was occurring, over 260 miles away another young mind was exploring the world at the Center – ambassador wolf Kinari. Born on April 12, 2025, Kinari very quickly captivated minds and hearts across the world. Through her role as an ambassador, Kinari teaches audiences about wolves and how people can protect them. Inspired by Kinari, the students decided to help wolves by fundraising for the Center.

They hope to pursue careers working with wolves when they graduate from school but in the meantime, they decided that for as long as their Roots and Shoots club existed, the Center would be the beneficiary of their fundraisers. “We could not be more grateful to them for their support. They are inspirational and are heroes to us here at the Center, and are helping to save and support wolves, wolves such as Kinari,” said Andrew Connolly, Educator and Outreach Coordinator at the Wolf Conservation Center. “These students are changing the world.”

With creative energy, they launched their two ongoing fundraisers. First, the students are delivering “Park Ranger” talks to various classes at their school. Equipped with handmade signs, practice, and preparation, they go into different classrooms to talk about wolves, wildlife, and why they need to be protected. As of early January, 2026, they have offered 26 lessons with many more scheduled over the next few months. Their second fundraiser is picking up trash in their community. Any donations received from these efforts are then sent to the Center.  In just a short time, the students have:

• Educated dozens of classrooms about wolves and wildlife, reaching hundreds of individuals
• Raised funds through their Park Ranger talks and trash pick ups
• Created a cleaner community
• Inspired the staff and volunteers at the Center
• Helped Kinari and all wolves thrive.

To the students of Mrs. Gray’s Roots and Shoots Club, THANK YOU! You are making the world a better place.

To young people reading this: you have the power to change the world. Your words and actions make an impact. Never be afraid to stand up for what is right. We hope you are inspired by the work of these students, and that you continue to follow your dreams and to make the world a better place. You are amazing.