Mosier’s Schmidt in running for 2026 Jr. Ranger

MOSIER – Edi Schmidt, 6, of Mosier, is currently in the running to become a 2026 Jr. Ranger through a nationwide campaign from The National Wildlife Federation.

If Schmidt wins, she will get $20,000 and a chance to go on an exclusive wildlife adventure with American biologist and wildlife conservationist Jeff Corwin. Corwin is further known for hosting wildlife shows such as Disney Channel's “Going Wild”. 

Edi saw an ad for the competition in the Ranger Rick magazine (her favorite thing to read), and talked her mom into signing up. She’s been an avid animal and nature lover from the start. In fact, her first word was the family dog’s name.

Through this process, Edi’s mom, Casey, said that the six-year-old has been learning about conservation and responsible stewardship, which inspired her to volunteer with local groups and take action in her community. 

Public vote determines the winner, and if Schmidt is first in her group on May 7, she will advance to the quarterfinals. Semifinalists will be determined on May 21, finalists on May 28, and the winner on June 4. 

Her link here can be used to vote. One free vote per day can be cast via the link, or people can vote through a tax-deductible donation to the National Wildlife Federation via that same link.