Exciting Opportunity To Become The Next Biodiversity Youth Ambassador

Date: June 19, 2012
Contact: Kyle Patterson, [phone]

The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking motivated youth aged 13-16 to apply to be a Biodiversity Youth Ambassador for BioBlitz 2012 in Rocky Mountain National Park. 

The NPS has initiated a corps of Biodiversity Youth Ambassadors to assist in spreading the word about biodiversity discovery and to engage youth in science activities in national parks. Each year (beginning in 2010) through 2016, a student ambassador will be selected to represent other students attending the annual National Park Service/National Geographic Society BioBlitz. Two students have been selected to date: Dara Reyes, representing Biscayne National Park, and Valyssa Flores, representing Saguaro National Park. 

Selected Ambassadors, accompanied by the student's teacher and a parent/chaperone, will be sponsored to participate in each of the subsequent annual BioBlitzes through 2016. Ambassadors will blog about their thoughts and experiences, interview other students at the BioBlitz and engage their classmates in learning about biodiversity through writing and presentations when they return to school. 

Interested students should represent a community within approximately 60 miles of Rocky Mountain National Park, should have an enthusiasm for science and nature, and must be motivated to share their knowledge and excitement with others. 

To apply, students should submit a 2 page maximum (double spaced) essay or 10 minute maximum video response on a DVD that answers the following questions: 

Why is biodiversity important to you, to the nation, and to the international community?

As the Rocky Mountain National Park Biodiversity Youth Ambassador, how would you spread the word about the importance of biodiversity and engage others?

Creativity is encouraged!

Entries should be postmarked by Friday, July 13. The printed essay or DVD, along with the student's name, address, age and school, should be mailed or delivered to:                                                         Rocky Mountain National Park                                                         Attn: BioBlitz Education                                                         1000 Highway 36                                                         Estes Park, CO 80517-8397 

A panel consisting of Rocky Mountain National Park's Chief of Resource Stewardship, Chief of Interpretation and Education, and the NPS Biodiversity Coordinator will review the entries and select the Ambassador. Relatives of Rocky Mountain National Park or the NPS Intermountain Region employees may not apply. 

For further information please contact the park's Information Office at [phone].