Children between the ages of 9 and 12 are being invited to write an essay about their environment and national parks.

MACKENZIE HUFFMAN of Traverse
City was a Junior Ranger at the
Sleeping Bear Dunes National
Lakeshore last year.

The winner of the 2008 Junior Ranger essay contest sponsored by the National Park Service will receive an all expenses paid family vacation to Everglades National Park in Florida, a role in an electronic field trip that will be seen by school children across the country, an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass, and a $1,000 shopping spree.

Park rangers and officials at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore say they hope a child from the area wins this year’s contest.

“So many school children and families visit (Sleeping Bear) every year, we know how much kids love and help us protect this national park,” said Superintendent Dustry Shultz.

Shultz said that last April, on National Junior Ranger Day, more than 80 people were sworn locally in as Junior Rangers. This year’s event takes place on Saturday, April 26.

Essays must be 500 words or less, and received online or through the mail by March 14. Each contestant must express thoughts on the following question: “What can you do now to turn over a new leaf for the environment and help preserve our national parks?” Entries will be judged on originality, clarity, and understanding of the issue.

For more contest information, visit www.nps.gov.