Hey, kids! The National Park Foundation is asking kids across the nation to share ideas on how to protect and preserve America's National Parks. Kids aged 9 to 12, with the help of a parent or guardian, have through May 1 to submit an essay of no more than 500 words answering this question: Why are our national parks important to you and what is your best idea to protect our parks for the future?

The first prize winner will receive a $1,000 Visa gift card and the opportunity to direct a $5,000 contribution from the National Park Foundation to his or her favorite national park. The funds will be used by the park to put into action big ideas like those included in the winning essay. The top three essays will be featured in the Junior Ranger Gazette and on the National Park Foundation website.

• To submit an entry online and view the official rules visit: www.nationalparks.org/get-involved/essay-contest/
• For info on the National Park Service's Junior Ranger program visit: www.nps.gov/learn/juniorranger.htm