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 Wildlife Conservation
The endangered species list gets larger by the day, so there are more and more talks about wildlife conservation and how it should be done. Every species has its place on this planet, with a job it needs to do. If these animals, plants, insects, and other creatures keep disappearing, there will be a larger…
Mesa Verde National Park Spotlight
When you think of Colorado, the first thing that probably comes to mind are the mountains and skiing. Colorado does have plenty of those two things, and they are fun. But if you can get past the beautiful peaks, you will find that there is so much more out there! Ranger Mac is here to…
