The U.S. Environmental Protection Aging Initiative, in partnership with Generations United and the Rachel Carson Council Inc., invites the public to vote for their favorite submissions for the Second Annual Rachel Carson Sense of Wonder Intergenerational Poetry, Essay and Photography Contest.

The deadline for voting is September 15 and the winners will be announced in October.

A panel of judges has selected the finalists in four categories: photography, essay, poetry, or mixed media (photography and a poem or essay). Finalists were selected based on originality, creativity, use of an intergenerational team, and ability to capture a sense of wonder.

Pennsylvania’s Rachel Carson is considered to be the founder of the contemporary environmental movement through her landmark book, "Silent Spring." Using the title of another of Carson's books, "The Sense of Wonder," the contest sought submissions "that best express the 'Sense of Wonder' that you feel when observing the sea, the night sky, forests, birds, wildlife, and all that is beautiful to your eyes."

"Through this contest, we are encouraging the youngest and oldest among us to recognize wonders and beauty of the natural world," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.

"This contest is a wonderful tool for connecting people across generations using an intergenerational approach to think about and dream about the world around us. We're proud to co-sponsor such a unique program in honor of an American heroine," said Donna Butts, executive director of Generations United.

The contest's intergenerational approach reflects Carson's efforts through her writing to have adults share with children a sense of wonder about nature and help them discover its joys.

More information and to vote, visit the Second Annual Rachel Carson Sense of Wonder webpage. And visit the Rachel Carson Homestead website to learn more about this extraordinary Pennsylvanian.

7/18/2008