OAKLAND, Calif. – If you treasure America’s precious wildlife, or are inspired by America’s symbol, the magnificent bald eagle, visit www.eaglesforever.org to submit a story or art that answers the question, "The Bald Eagle is Back! Why is that Important to America?"
Two winning contestants – one in the 500-word story category and one in the artwork category – each will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., for themselves and three of their family members or friends. Winners also will be invited to an Endangered Species Act event to be held in the District of Columbia during their visit on Wednesday, June 28. Finalists – two in the 500-word story category and two in the artwork category – each will receive $200 gift certificates to Amazon.com and a 12-month subscription to National Geographic or NG Kids Magazine.
The "Eagles Forever!" contest showcases why Americans believe that preserving the bald eagle, a time-honored American symbol, and other U.S. wildlife treasures is essential for future generations. It takes place as developers and other powerful special interests are urging Congress to drastically weaken the protections that have been provided to America’s endangered wildlife, including the bald eagle, for the past 30 years. It also coincides with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposed delisting of the bald eagle from the Endangered Species Act.
The Eagles Forever! contest is open to people of all ages. Kids are invited to submit stories or artwork on their own, or with a parent, grandparent or other caregiver. Other joint entries are also welcome. The deadline for the contest has been extended to Sunday, April 30. For contest rules, entry details, prize information and to view sample essays and artwork, visit www.eaglesforever.org.
Judges include: Amy Smart, star of Just Friends; Kerri Allred, 12, founder of AllGreenKids.com; Sophie McKibben, 12, editor and publisher of Bookworm magazine; and Steve Winter, contributing photographer for National Geographic magazine.
The contest is being sponsored by Earthjustice, a non-profit public interest law firm based in Oakland, Calif., that believes protecting the bald eagle is our responsibility as Americans, and that is committed to safeguarding America’s natural heritage for future generations.
