The first time I helped release sea turtle hatchlings into the Atlantic Ocean, I knew I had to protect all 7 species of endangered sea turtles. Luckily, I am a Jr. Scientist and Drone Engineer at the Kashmir World Foundation based in Great Falls. The mission of the foundation is to design and develop custom drones with computer vision or A.I. to protect endangered species worldwide. One of the projects I am involved with is MiSHELL, a custom drone that can detect and identify sea turtle tracks, nests, and poachers and then report back to the biologists in real-time. The project helps teach biologists how to build, program, and operate their drones, which can save time, money, and provide accurate data to biologists.
Now a 5th-grade homeschooler, I founded Kitten Farms to raise funds to help save more endangered sea turtles. My backyard chickens lay delicious colored eggs, which are fresh and healthy! I thought why not let animals help animals with the help of humans. I started selling eggs door-to-door and carrying my cat Cupid in a cat pack. Even though it was really nice to meet my neighbors, I wanted to expand my awareness campaign and raise more funds so I can help teach more Fly for Conservation workshops and help save more endangered animals.
Then, I reached out to Mr. Mike Kearney at Katie’s Coffee House. Mr. Kearney has had a long history of helping the community in Great Falls. So together we launched our “Support Local & Impact Global” campaign. Through a partnership between Kittens Farms and Katie's Coffee House, you can purchase fresh local eggs and help us raise the funds to protect sea turtle nests globally.
Follow us on Instagram @kittenfarms
I created a custom comic that tells the story of sea turtles hatching and my cats helping save them from predators. Then I used recycled egg cartons to put the eggs inside my custom egg carton packaging.
Dear Kashmir. It is an absolute delight to see your blog post, read the wonderful things you are involved in and see the unique and imaginative drawings you make of all your wonderful animals. They truly brought a smile to my face this evening after a long day writing a new song. I love your comic with the cats as well and I feel you have so many directions you can pursue in life that it totally amazes me! Hey, why not do them all! I look forward to seeing you and your family soon.