Students Tell us Why Protecting Endangered Species is Important!

Launched in 2024 in the heart of Times Square in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), the LG Vulnerable and Endangered Species Series, a part of their “Life’s Good” campaign, aims to educate K-12 students and raise awareness on issues related to biodiversity, wildlife conservation and habitat.

What began as a collaboration pairing LG’s immersive 3D Times Square displays with NWF’s Certified Wildlife Habitat programs quickly grew into something more impactful—an effort that blended education, storytelling, community action, and active employee involvement, including LG employees planting a certified pollinator garden with NWF, building 150 birdhouses, and planting native species on LG’s campus in New Jersey.

This Endangered Species Day, we want to celebrate the students and educators who make learning about local wildlife and endangered species a priority. NWF asked K-12 teachers and students to make a pledge to learn about vulnerable and endangered species where they live. As an incentive, LG provided prizes 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector and a 32-inch Smart Monitor Swing.

Congratulations to the winners!

• Everleigh M., 3rd grader, Illinois
• Laura Z., educator from Green Hope Elementary School, North Carolina

“One endangered animal that lives in Illinois is a yellow mud turtle. It is important to me because a yellow mud turtle has a varied diet, which helps them find food in different places. That’s why I think a yellow mud turtle is very unique.”

– Everleigh M., 3^rd grader

“Teaching about wildlife, habitat, and environmental stewardship is essential because it helps students understand that people, animals, and plants are connected and that our choices affect the places we all share. When young people learn how habitat loss, pollution, and climate change harm species and ecosystems, they gain the knowledge and skills to make better decisions—like conserving resources, supporting habitat restoration, and advocating for fair policies—that protect biodiversity and ensure clean air, water, and healthy communities for future generations. Exploring these concepts also helps to build the critical thinking, empathy, and real-world problem-solving abilities that will be used in careers and civic life.”

– Laura Z., educator from Green Hope Elementary School, North Carolina

We are so inspired by so many thoughtful and varied entries highlighting vulnerable and endangered species across the country, take a look at more of our student entries on why wildlife matters.

“Golden cheeked warblers are important to me because they are the only bird species that exclusively nest in Texas. They use Ashe juniper tree bark to make nests and mostly sew it together with spider webs.”

– Aapthi A., 3^rd grader

“The little brown bat is important to me because of the amazing role it holds in the ecosystem. Without it, everything would fall apart. It eats insects (at least half their body weight!) every night, which controls the bug population near their roosts.”

– Samantha C., 5^th grader

“Sea turtles are important because they are helping the ocean be clean because they act like marine gardeners.”

– José C., 6^th grader

“The Florida panther is important to me because it represents the wild beauty and uniqueness of Florida’s natural habitats. What makes the Florida panther unique is its ability to survive in swamps and forests, its powerful build, and its role as a top predator that helps keep ecosystems balanced. Saving the panther means protecting the land it needs to live, which also helps many other species.”

– Carlos S., 7^th grader

“I think that they [rusty patch bumblebees] are very unique and it is really cool how they move and look.”

– Hallie B., 8^th grader

Learn more about Endangered Species Day and download NWF’s endangered species coloring book!

Test your knowledge of vulnerable and endangered species highlighted in the LG series:

• Did you know the red wolf is the most endangered wolf in the world? Watch the red wolf on LG’s 3D Times Square billboard in NYC.
• Can you identify a monarch butterfly? Watch the monarch butterfly on LG’s 3DTimes Square billboard in NYC.
• What little owl lives in a cactus? Watch the Cactus Ferruginous pygmy-owl on LG’s 3D Times Square billboard in NYC.
• What animal is called the mermaids of the sea? Watch the West Indian manatee on LG’s 3D Times Square billboard in NYC.

Kids’ Corner:

• Celebrate Endangered Species (May 15)
• Plant a Tree for Wildlife
• Watch a Bat Ballet
• 5 ways You Can Help Endangered Species

Interested in more resources on wildlife?

Check out NWF’s Wildlife and Nature Education webpage to learn more about native wildlife and access tools and activities to engage kids and families.

For more information about LG’s STEM education and Endangered Species series, visit their website.