WASHINGTON — The winner of this year's Junior Ranger contest will receive an all-expense-paid family vacation to Everglades National Park in Florida, the National Park Service recently announced. In addition the Park Service will feature the winner in a starring role in an electronic field trip, which millions of children across the country will see. 

The national Junior Ranger essay contest is open to children between the ages of 9 and 12. To enter, they must express their thoughts, in 500 words or less, on the following question: “What can you do now to turn over a new leaf for the environment and help preserve our national parks?” The contest deadline is March 14.

NPS Director Mary A. Bomar, First Lady Laura Bush and National Park Foundation President and CEO Vin Cipolla announced the contest on Feb. 6 in Everglades National Park. A group of local fifth-graders joined them to help plant native trees in a park-restoration project prior to the announcement.

“Children throughout the country, like those here today, are more interested and involved in environmental issues than ever before,” Bomar said at the event. “They can make a difference, both now and in the future, on the impact of humans on the land. I can’t wait to hear all of the wonderful ideas that will come from this essay contest.”

The grand prize winner will receive a trip for four to Everglades National Park. There the winner will appear in an electronic field trip about invasive species in national parks. The prize includes round-trip air transportation, car rental, hotel accommodations, meal expenses, a $1,000 Macy’s shopping spree and an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass.

Those entering the contest may submit their essays by mail or online. Judges will evaluate entries on originality, clarity and understanding of the issue. Additional contest information is available at www.nps.gov.