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NPS
Contact: Lisa Myers, 231-326-5134 The National Park Service is inviting children from 9 to 12 years old throughout the country to write an essay about their environment and national parks. The winner of this year’s 2008 Junior Ranger essay contest will receive an all expense paid family vacation to one of the country’s most remarkable national parks and a starring role in an electronic field trip seen by millions of school children across the country! Park Rangers at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are hoping someone from Northwest Lower Michigan area will win. Each contestant must express his or her thoughts on “What can you do now to turn over a new leaf for the environment and help preserve our national parks?” The grand prize winner of the essay contest will receive a trip for four to Everglades National Park in Florida, where he or she will appear in an electronic field trip about invasive species in national parks. The prize includes round trip air transportation, car rental, hotel accommodations, meal expenses, a $1,000 Macy’s shopping spree, and an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass (valid for one year for free entry to most national parks in the United States). “So many school children and families visit the Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, the historic village of Glen Haven, and Lake Michigan beaches every year, we know how much kids love and help us protect this national park,” said Superintendent Dusty Shultz. “Hundreds of children each year earn their official Junior Ranger badges here at the National Lakeshore by learning more, attending ranger led programs, and completing a special activity booklet.” Last April on National Junior Ranger Day, over 80 people were sworn in as Junior Rangers in just one day. Details on this year’s event, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2008 will be forthcoming. Essays must be 500 words or less and received on-line or by mail by March 14, 2008. Each entry will be judged on originality, clarity, and understanding of the issue. Additional contest information is available at www.nps.gov and on the National Park Foundation website. |
Last updated: April 10, 2015