<p>[Nicodemus</a> Wilderness Project – Apprentice Ecologist Initiative](<a href=“http://www.wildernessproject.org/volunteer_apprentice_ecologist.php]Nicodemus”>Nicodemus Wilderness Project -- Apprentice Ecologist Initiative)
NOW OPEN
Deadline: December 31, 2011</p>
<p>The Apprentice Ecologist Initiative (officially recognized by the U.S. EPA) has engaged tens of thousands of young volunteers (kids, teens, and college-age youth) from around the world in environmental cleanup and conservation projects since 1999. </p>
<p>The goals of the Apprentice Ecologist Initiative are to:
Elevate youth into leadership roles by engaging them in environmental cleanup and conservation projects,
Empower young people to rebuild the environmental and social well-being of our communities,
Improve local living conditions for both citizens and wildlife through education, activism, and action.</p>
<p>Here’s how to become an official Apprentice Ecologist and be considered for a scholarship:
1.Conduct your own environmental stewardship project in 2011 .
2.Take a few digital photos of your project in action.
3.Write an essay about your project and what it meant to you.
4.Register and upload your favorite project photo along with your essay. </p>
<p>Examples of projects that other Apprentice Ecologists have completed in the past include:
Removing and recycling trash from a local park, river, beach, or other natural area
Planting native trees at a school, local park, or in a deforested area
Starting a community or school recycling program
Protecting a terrestrial or aquatic area for native wildlife
Promoting the conservation of an endangered species or area
Educating others about wildlife or conservation issues
Removing graffiti from natural areas
Taking steps to prevent pollution/contamination locally
Removing nonnative vegetation so that native vegetation can flourish
Improving awareness about the importance of using renewable energy sources
Reducing soil erosion by maintaining established trails and closing off short-cuts
Assisting the elderly with their yards by planting/maintaining vegetation that provides native wildlife habitat
Building a rain garden that utilizes roof runoff to grow vegetation that provides native wildlife habitat</p>
<p>After uploading your project photo and essay, we will publish your work on our Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists and provide links to download an official Certificate of Achievement and an Apprentice Ecologist heat transfer (for T-shirt). </p>
<p>An NWP tote bag (made with organic cotton) will be awarded to the authors of the 10 best essays on an annual basis. </p>
<p>Three scholarships totaling $850 will be awarded annually to the authors of the top Apprentice Ecologist essays. </p>
<p>The winning author will also receive a personalized crystal award courtesy of Crown Awards & Trophies. </p>
<p>By registering and submitting your essay, you will automatically be considered for a scholarship. </p>
<p>Applicants should embody the spirit of the Apprentice Ecologist Initiative by demonstrating personal leadership, initiative, and environmental stewardship in their project. Essays will be judged by a committee of Nicodemus Wilderness Project board members, volunteers, and past Apprentice Ecologist award winners. </p>
<p>There is no minimum or maximum length for the essay but most of our past award winners have written essays that ranged from about 500 to 1,500 words. </p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>Take Care,
Lisa</p>