The Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division, a part of NRSS, works closely with the nonprofit group Global Explorers to help increase awareness and understanding of natural sounds and the night sky. 

The Global Explorers – Natural Sounds and Night Skies Partnership creates opportunities for youth stewardship and engagement through its academy program and expeditions. The partnership introduces young people, including youth from underserved communities or with physical challenges, who may never have visited national parks, to travel and experience these natural treasures not just as visitors but as scientists and explorers. While hiking the rim of the Grand Canyon, experiencing Canyon de Chelly, or rafting down the Colorado River, young people from diverse backgrounds collaborate on field research, service projects, resource conservation, and cultural awareness learning. Through Global Explorers, youth learn about the importance of natural sounds and night skies, instilling in them a lifelong passion for environmental sustainability and stewardship.

One component of this exciting collaboration is the second annual Night Skies Contest. All students, ages 12-21, are eligible to enter the contest. Students will submit a piece of their own work (essay, poem, artwork, photo, or video) in response to the question, “What do you think about when you look into the night sky?” Entries will be accepted January 10-23, 2013.

Four iPads will be awarded to the entries that receive the most public votes. Public voting will take place January 24-30, 2013. 

For contest guidelines, voting procedures, and to enter, please visit www.globalexplorers.org/nightskies! Also be sure to check out the 2012 winners!

More Information...

Contact Information
Name: Cecilia Leumas
Phone Number: 970-225-3531
Email: cecilia_leumas@partner.nps.gov