Ranger Mac
Wakelin 'Ranger Mac' McNeel
1884-1958
Inducted 2006
"Statistics are dull. Kids prefer down-to-earth realism." – McNeel
The kind-faced gentleman pictured here was an early genius in mass media. Wakelin McNeel, "Ranger Mac,” reached an estimated 700,000 young people in Wisconsin with his Wisconsin Public Radio program, “Afield With Ranger Mac.” The program ran between 1933-54, reaching out to students in one-room school houses and big city schools alike with colorful but knowledge-filled messages about conservation and nature. The mere mention of “Ranger Mac” evokes warm memories among those who looked forward to his program each week.
The Importance of Energy Conservation
Energy conservation has been on people’s minds for decades, but it becomes more important every year. The technologies available are changing every year and it’s hard to keep up. Below, Ranger Mac will go over the basics of energy conservation and what you can do to help. Energy Conservation Basics There are many methods for…
The Importance of Water Conservation
The population in the United States has doubled over the past 50 years. This may not seem like a big deal as you look around your neighborhood, but it is a big deal when it comes to water conservation. There are at least 40 states that are anticipating a water shortage by 2024. There is…
The Importance of Soil Conservation
What is soil conservation, and what does it mean for us? Soil conservation includes a handful of techniques that are aimed at preserving the soil. Plants can’t live in just any old dirt, and many factors affect how well they can grow in an area. Any soil loss or loss of its fertility can be…
