Rick or any one of his friends, including Scarlett Fox, his deputy, and Boomer Badger always finds a solution to whatever problem they encounter, thus encouraging children to do their part to protect the natural environment.

Ranger Rick magazines have featured a variety of adventure stories tackling various subjects, such as the hazards of fishing lines at sea or invasive species in the Everglades.

[7] Ranger Rick is sometimes incorporated in elementary science classrooms to enhance the interest of environmental conservation in young children.

[9] Because technology had greatly influenced and impacted the lives of children, Ranger Rick magazine made modifications in order to appeal to those becoming increasingly distant to outdoor exploration.

[2] To inspire a new generation of conservationists, attracting young readers seemed essential to a magazine promoting environmental awareness and preservation efforts.

It was established in 1979 as a sister publication to Ranger Rick and Wild Animal Baby, both published by the National Wildlife Federation.

[15] In December 2012, NWF merged Wild Animal Baby and Big Backyard to create a new magazine for children ages four to seven, called Ranger Rick, Jr..[13] Ranger Rick's debut on television started with an animated television commercial during the early 1970s.

In 2021, Red Rock Films announced a partnership with the National Wildlife Federation and Bix Pix Entertainment to develop a new streaming series based on Ranger Rick's adventures.