Each year, Wilton Preserve offers an essay contest in celebration of Earth Day and the environmental movement. Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, brings environmental awareness to the forefront. This day promotes increased environmental consciousness, community participation, and protection of the planet worldwide. The mission of Wilton Preserve includes environmental education as a priority and engaging youth in the environmental conversation is of the utmost importance. The Earth Day Essay Contest gives children of all ages the opportunity to research and engage in the climate conversation and actively seek out solutions to protect the future resources of this planet and to their thoughts and solutions to the climate crisis.

The theme for 2023 from EarthDay.org is Invest in Our Planet! This year’s theme is asking people to think about how overcoming climate change is within reach if citizens work together to commit to action and invest in the planet and the collective human future. Climate change mitigation, restoration, and adaption require the will and voice of united people to make the changes the planet needs.

Wilton Preserve will review the essays and select winners in lower elementary, upper elementary, middle school, and high school levels to receive a cash prize and recognition for their innovative ideas. Other essays are recognized by runner up and judges’ choice categories. High School entries must be no longer than 650 words; Middle School entries must be no longer than 500 words; Elementary School entries must be at least 10 sentences. Accompanying illustrations are also encouraged. The contest winner from each of the categories will receive a $50 cash prize!

Deadline: Friday, April 21, 2023. Winners will be announced in May and prizes will be awarded at the Annual Wildlife Festival on Sunday, June 4th. Submissions may be mailed to Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park at 80 Scout Road, Wilton, NY 12831 or emailed to info@wiltonpreserve.org by the deadline. Please include the student’s name, the name of the school, the student’s grade, and the teacher’s name. Make sure that there is an email and a phone number with each student’s entry.

For more information, please call the Preserve & Park office at 518-450-0321 or via email at info@wiltonpreserve.org. 

Click here to see last year’s winners.