National Park Foundation Launches 'First Bloom' Youth Garden Design Contest

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Apr 26, 2010, 01:19 ET

Visit www.first-bloom.org to Vote for Your Favorite Garden Design Now through May 28

The First Bloom Group with Winning Design Will Win an Overnight Trip to a National Park

WASHINGTON, April 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Park Foundation launched a national student garden design competition today among First Bloom groups around the country. First Bloom gives 4th- 6th grade youth firsthand experience in national parks, and teaches important conservation lessons including the difference between native and invasive plant species. Now, through May 28, 2010, the public is invited to vote on garden designs that individual First Bloom groups have created. The First Bloom group with the most votes will win a free trip to a national park.

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"All you have to do is take one look at these garden designs, and you can see the thought and care that our First Bloom kids put into these," said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. "That excitement will grow into a lifelong connection to the national parks."

To participate in the online voting, and to view a gallery of the First Bloom garden designs, please visit www.first-bloom.org.

First Bloom youth taking part in the contest were encouraged to be creative in both their design, and the presentations of their designs – which ranged from drawings to models made of clay, and – in one case – cookies.

The garden design contest is the culmination of a year of project work for the First Bloom students in partnership with their local national parks, where they have learned important lessons about stewardship and conservation. The nationwide program is currently taking place in 26 national parks in partnership with 31 youth groups across the country. To learn more about the First Bloom program, visit www.first-bloom.org.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

You are the part-owner of 84 million acres of the world's most treasured landscapes, ecosystems, and historical sites -- all protected in America's nearly 400 national parks. Chartered by Congress, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America's national parks. We work hand in hand with the National Park Service to help connect you and all Americans to the parks, and to make sure that they are preserved for the generations who will follow. Join us – This is Your Land. www.nationalparks.org

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Contact:

National Park Foundation

Mark Shields [email protected]

(202) 354-6480

SOURCE National Park Foundation