Results of “Get to Know Your Wild Neighbors,” a national art, writing, and photography contest, are in, and everybody is a winner—kids, parks, and the environment. The Canada-based Get to Know Society opened the competition earlier this year to U.S. youth in its most ambitious endeavor yet to connect kids with nature.

Youth up to the age of 19 in the United States and Canada submitted entries reflecting their experiences in the outdoors. Parks figured heavily into the inspiration of their entries, according to the contestants. Wildlife and nature painter Robert Bateman founded the competition 12 years ago, and the contest was opened in 2012 for the first time to U.S. youth. Park and recreation agencies in Los Angeles, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta provided launch events. In addition to the NRPA, the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wildlife Federation, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and 50 other agencies and associations provided support.

Contest judges included representatives from the Disney Company, Panasonic, ARKive, and musicians Joe Reilly and Calum Graham.

The 2013 Get to Know Contest will run from April 8 to November 1. American youth ages 19 and under are encouraged to get outdoors, get inspired by their wild neighbors, and enter with art, writing, photography, video, or music. Launch events will occur in communities coast to coast between May and June. Details on the contest, including event dates and locations, will be posted on the Get to Know Society website, www.gettoknow.ca.