“How Wild Kratts Inspired My Love for Nature”

The very first show that impacted me growing up was “Wild Kratts”, a PBS Kids show that used a mix of live-action/animation and focused on the values of nature and the creatures roaming free in the wild. Each new episode introduced me to Martin and Chris Kratt, two adventurous brothers who, alongside their friends. Using “Creature Power Suits” to activate specific animal traits and adventure into the wild meeting new creatures and learning how they live and act. 

One episode that stands out in my memory is ‘Bass Class.’ I remember sitting on the edge of my seat as Martin and Chris met Gavin, whose passion for bass fishing was clear as he proudly displayed his trophy and fishing kit. Although this episode mainly focused on Gavin trying to catch the heavier bass and win against Zach before sundown, the excitement in Gavin’s eye and the pride in his voice resonated with me. A deep sense of curiosity and desire to experience the thrill of fishing first hand enlightened my soul within me.

 I rushed towards my dad once he came home and suggested we spend time together fishing. He smiled and said, “Of course. Your uncle had already called the whole family for a barbecue by the river where we can fish.” Hearing that made my eyes light up, knowing I would get to experience fishing in nature with my dad. The thought filled me with excitement. He had been so busy with work and school, and spending time with him and the rest of the family felt like a special moment I have been waiting for.

Saturday at 7 AM everyone was in the car. I sat next to my older cousin and beside me, my sister was all excited and ready for that hour drive to Croton Point Park. We made it by 8 AM and my cousin rushed running into the open grass. We saw the immense water from one end of the mountain to the other. Running through the grasses as the geese flew away, honking at us in their language. Finally making it to a spot near the river bay to set our barbecue. As I turned to unpack, I heard a soft crunch behind me. A deer stood just a few feet away, its eyes calm as it grazed on berries. I slowly lay down on the grass, not wanting to startle it. I remembered what the Kratt brothers always said about respecting animals’ space. For a few minutes, I watched in silence, as we both shared the space, until my cousin shouted, and the deer bolted into the trees. I shook my head telling him not to scare it off; this was its home, after all. Still, I knew we had the whole day ahead to enjoy together as a family.

Around 10 AM my dad began to take out his fishing kit and my eyes widened as he revealed hooks, weights, and fish-shaped baits coming in green, red, and blue. It felt like unlocking a buried treasure chest. Once my dad pulled out the fishing rod my heart raced, I could barely contain my excitement. As my dad taught us how to fish, my mind kept thinking of that episode and everything they talked about. When it was finally my turn I threw the fishing line cutting through the sky landing with a splash, sinking down into the water. I stood still waiting for any movement and suddenly felt a strong pull. Yanking and pulling, I saw a striped bass emerging from the water as its dark stripes ran across its scales. Finally catching my very first fish felt like a moment where I was part of the nature around me.

Hours after hours, we caught fish together until sundown a total of 15 striped bass and of course released them into the wild having to convince my parents it wasn’t safe to eat them. As the blue ocean sky turned into the warm, glowing orange sky I came across a beaver who was chewing his way to a small tree, watching it fall causing a massive “BOOM”! It was amazing how such a small creature could drag it across and into the forest. Watching as the deers ran across the grass as the less humans went away to their cars it was an enjoyable moment to just be in the moment of all this.  

Packing up and heading home a long ride but a tired sleepy way back home in the car. Promising myself to return every summer I thought to myself on how deeply connected I became with nature. Fishing alongside my family allowed me to experience the peacefulness of the outdoors, the stillness of the water, and the quiet moments present waiting for a fish. I felt grateful for the  Wild Kratt’s, not only allowing me to be curious about the wildlife but also showing me how nature can bring people closer together, creating a stronger bond with me and my family in a way I hadn’t before.  

“Croton Point Park.” Westchester County Parks, Westchester County, https://parks.westchestergov.com/croton-point-park/.

“Fishing Kits for Adults.” DICK’S Sporting Goods, https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/a/fishing-kits-for-adults-0atz00a.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqa8Xti9w47OiHMGUydKYf_I7Ztf_iQ4EVA5-z-WEx-whgXUgmF. 

“Wild Kratts.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Kratts.

“Wild Kratts: Meet the Kratt Brothers.” PBS LearningMedia, NY PBS LearningMedia, https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/cc6cfdc0-dfde-44a5-95e4-facbdce89652/cc6cfdc0-dfde-44a5-95e4-facbdce89652/.