Jane Kirkland, naturalist and author of the award-winning Take A Walk Book series, is sponsoring the first annual, "Why I Love My Pennsylvania State Park" contest, open to children ages 8 to 12 who live in the state.

The Deadline for entries is December 15.

Children are invited to write an original essay, 50 words or less, about their state park and why they love it, focusing on the natural aspects in their park (plants and animals).

Five 1st Prizes will be awarded-one in each age category-8, 9, 10, 11, 12-one set of four Take A Walk Books signed by the author.

One Grand Prize Winner will be awarded one set of four Take A Walk Books and one pair of binoculars (retail value $200.00) courtesy of Kevin Loughlin, naturalist, photographer and President of Wildside Tours based in Exton, Pennsylvania.

The Grand Prize Winner will also help Ms. Kirkland and Mr. Loughlin lead a public nature walk or a nature program at the Pennsylvania State Park featured in the winning essay. Winners of the "Why I Love My Pennsylvania State Park" contest will be announced in March 2006.

Kirkland has been a DCNR volunteer for six years at Marsh Creek State Park where she and her husband monitor and maintain a bluebird trail. Many of the photographs featured in her series of books were taken at Marsh Creek State Park.

Loughlin has been a DCNR volunteer for many years leading bird walks in Promised Land State Park. His photographs or articles have been published in Philadelphia, Audubon and WildBird magazines.

Take A Walk Books have won the National Arbor Day Foundation's Education Award for 2005, and a finalist position in ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Award 2004. They are recommended by the National Science Teachers Association, Animal Planet's Emmy-winning producer, host and biologist Jeff Corwin, The National Parenting Center, and the National Gardening Association.

Kirkland writes a monthly column for MetroKids PA, MetroKids South Jersey and MetroKids Delaware. She is also a regular guest on Philadelphia's WXPN "Kids' Corner" radio program.

Pennsylvania's has 117 state parks offer a variety of opportunities to get in touch with nature.

Essays should be mailed to: PA State Park Essay, P O Box 500, Lionville, PA 19353. Contest entry forms can be obtained at individual Pennsylvania State Park offices or online at "Why I Love My Pennsylvania State Park" contest.

8/19/2005