Put off by that divisive and nasty national election? You can be part of a creative "special election" on theiConservePA.org websiteby voting for your favorite environmental candidates in the "Elect to Conserve" campaign.

Voters will be eligible to win a home composter or a rain barrel. The winning Pennsylvania environmental program will receive a $5,000 grant. (When did voting in a real election get you anything like that!)

Video Blog:See Special Election Coverage By CNN's Cooper Anderson 180

"Elect to Conserve is a fun way to draw attention to serious conservation topics in Pennsylvania," DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis said. "When you cast your vote for your favorite candidate, you will be showing your support for the candidates' chosen environmental cause via a conservation organization. The winning candidate's affiliated organization will receive $5,000 to put toward a conservation project."

The "Elect to Conserve" candidates are five PA iCons - people who already do things in their everyday lives to help address alarming environmental trends. Each candidate isfeatured on the websiteand haverecorded an online video outlining their interest in their conservation cause.

The candidates, their cause and non-profit organizations are:

>>Montrell Wilkerson,water conservation and quality,Pennsylvania Environmental Council;

>>Debbie Kirkpatrick, native species and habitat,Wild Resource Conservation Fund;

>>Norm Lacasse, trees and forests,Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation;

>>Carl Lorence, trails and volunteers,Keystone Trails Association; and

>>Dana Lomma, open space and land conservation,Pennsylvania Land Trust Association.

Twelve "founding" iCons demonstrate some conservation practices needed to combat Pennsylvania's core environmental challenges. More than 100 others have shared their conservation story by filling out a profile with their own tips, stories and favorite places in Pennsylvania.

Voters will be eligible to enter a drawing for a backyard stewardship package consisting of a rain barrel and a composter, courtesy of theSpruce Creek Co.based in Warriors Mark, Huntingdon County.

The online contest runs from October 1 through midnight on November 4.

The iConserve Pennsylvania initiative is meant to remind everyone that as individuals, we play a critical role in the future of Pennsylvania's natural resources.

Website visitors can subscribe to afree monthly electronic newsletterthat includes fun facts, green tips and conservation-related events and activities. Also featured are simple commitments, next steps and lifestyle change ideas that can help anyone become familiar with conservation, grow their interest, and take action.

The funds for the donation are being provided by a private foundation. For more information, visit the iConservePA.orgElect to Conserve webpage.

* Conservation News Network, of course.

10/3/2008