Bloomington Environmental Commission Announces Third Annual Eco-Heroes Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 7, 2014

For more information, please contact:

Linda Thompson, Senior Environmental Planner, City of Bloomington Planning Department, thompsol@bloomington.in.gov, 349.3423

Bloomington Environmental Commission Announces Third Annual Eco-Heroes Competition

Bloomington, Ind. - The Bloomington Environmental Commission (EC) is pleased to announce the Third Annual Eco-Heroes Award Competition for the youth in our community. The contest is an artistic competition for K-12 students living in Bloomington that connects children's natural curiosity and love of the world around them with their creativity as artists, writers and craftspeople. Last year's event was a great success with more than 100 outstanding and diverse submissions, from rap songs and handmade books to posters and stone carvings.

This year's theme, "Nurturing Nature in My Neighborhood," is tied to the Environmental Commission's Lawns for Life initiative, which encourages more natural ways of caring for our lawns in order to create a healthier environment for our kids. The EC hopes the contest will motivate children to be inspired by the nature in their own neighborhood and think about how they can help ensure its continued health and protection. It also aims to highlight youth-oriented activities and help other children realize the significance of their actions and choices on the environment - and maybe persuade a few adults in the process!

Entries based on the theme are welcomed in a wide range of formats, both written (stories, poems, and essays up to 300 words) or artistic (drawings, music recordings, posters, photographs, sculpture, painting, and craft projects). All submissions will be displayed at City Hall. Twelve Eco-Hero Awards for first, second and third place will be presented in four grade groups (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12). Students are permitted to collaborate and may work in pairs, groups or as a class. In addition to the honor of being recognized as an Environmental Hero by Mayor Kruzan at the awards ceremony on April 23, each Hero will be presented with prizes sponsored by local businesses.

All entries should be dropped off by Monday, April 14 at the City's Planning Department in City Hall, 401 N. Morton St., Suite 160. Text or digital files may also be emailed to Krista Mantsch at mantschk@bloomington.in.gov. Submissions must include the student's name and grade, school (if applicable) and contact information, including phone number and email.

For more information, please contact Senior Environmental Planner Linda Thompson at thompsol@bloomington.in.gov or 349.3423.

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