Scientists have so far identified over 2 million species on planet Earth – yet American youth are less familiar than ever with plants and animals living in their own “backyard”. To reverse this trend, the Get to Know Contest is challenging young Americans (age 5-18) to get outside today and “get to know” the amazing and diverse wild neighbors who share our ecosystems. Art, writing, photos and videos inspired by first-hand experience with our wild neighbours can be submitted at www.gettoknow.ca until November 30th, 2010.
In honor of 2010 International Year of Biodiversity, the theme for art, writing and photography categories is “Celebrating Biodiversity”. The all-new video category celebrates the upcoming 2011 International Year of Forests with a theme “This is My Forest”. Winners will get exciting prizes, including a week-long Art & Nature Camp experience at the Pacific Rim National Park in Canada for those 12 and older. More than just a creative arts competition, the contest aims to draw youth into nature, so the prizes are first of all an incentive for youth to take the first step out of doors. Contest organizers are encouraging all youth to “get to know” their wild neighbors today and spread the word to their friends, since there are less than ten days left to enter.