100 Young Birders Seek, Find Scores of Bird Species in Annual Contest

Conservation, birds and about 100 young Georgia birders all benefited from the 2011 Youth Birding Competition.

The 24-hour birding event held Saturday and Sunday, April 16-17, drew some 25 teams of contestants from preschool-ages to teens. They spotted scores of bird species and raised nearly $1,500 for conservation organizations. Fundraising is a voluntary component of the competition.

The Country Cuckoos, four brothers and a first cousin from Bainbridge, saw or heard 133 species to win the overall competition, checking birding hotspots across the state and overcoming a windy Saturday evening that kept many birds quiet. Member Josiah Austinson found a silver lining in the blustery weather. “It saved us from the mosquitoes,” he said smiling.

The reward for competition coordinator Tim Keyes, a Georgia Wildlife Resources Division biologist, is the “increase of new faces every year … (and) the return of repeat teams, which shows they’re getting hooked!”

The Youth Birding Contest is aimed at cultivating an interest in wildlife and conservation. Sponsors include The Environmental Resources Network Inc. (TERN), the Audubon Society, the Georgia Ornithological Society and others.

T-shirts worn by birders and team leaders at the banquet and awards ceremony at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center Sunday featured the artwork of Rosemary Kramer of The Rock community in Upson County. The red-breasted nuthatch by Kramer, an eighth-grader at Upson Lee Middle School, proved the grand-prize winner in the event’s T-shirt Contest.

Coordinator Linda May said judges chose four division winners from among 166 drawings and paintings of native Georgia birds. Kramer’s entry led the middle school category. “I'm so excited to see all of these kids enjoying birds, whether it's through birdwatching or creating artwork,” May said. “They're gaining a much better understanding and appreciation of nature than I had at that age.”

The 2012 Youth Birding Competition is set for April 27-28. The annual competition and art contest are free. This year’s bird-a-thon started at 5 p.m. Saturday and ended at 5 p.m. Sunday. Groups used as much as of that time as they wanted to count bird species throughout the state. But teams had to arrive at the “finish line” at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center near Mansfield by 5 p.m. Sunday.


2011 Youth Birding Competition Winners

Birding
Overall and high school division – Country Cuckoos (133 species)
Middle – Chaotic Kestrels (116)
Elementary – Eagle Maniacs (94 species)
Primary – Little Chickadees (38 species)

Fundraising
1. Birding Brothers, raising $516.
2. Country Cuckoos ($360)
3. Atlanta Wood Thrushes ($200)

The money goes to conservation groups chosen by the teams.

Top Rookie Teams (first-year teams)
High school – G’Nats 1 (90 species)
Primary – Daisy Ducks 1/prime time (37 species)

Birding Journal
High school – Anna Hamilton
Middle – Emmilyn Wade
Elementary – Madeline Studebaker
Primary – Dalton Gibbs

T-shirt Art Contest
1. Primary division (out of 54 entries): Jordan Beam of Newborn, second-grader at Piedmont Academy (barn owl drawing)
2. Elementary school division (89 entries): Hanka Kirby of Cumming, fifth-grader at Chattahoochee Elementary (cardinal drawing)
3. Middle school division (19 entries): Rosemary Kramer of The Rock, eighth-grader at Upson Lee Middle School (red-breasted nuthatch painting). Kramer also was the grand-prize winner.
4. High school division (four entries): Taylor Green of Covington, 12th-grade homeschooler (white-eyed vireo painting)

Art contest division winners received $50 gift cards to Michael's. The grand-prize winner received a $100 gift card to Michael’s and their artwork was used for the 2011 Youth Birding Competition T-shirt.

-----

Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG @FayetteFP

State Botanical Garden opens 2010 art competition

The University of Georgia State Botanical Garden is conducting an art competition open to all Georgia college and high school students ninth grade and above, regardless of age. This competition, funded by The J.A. and H.G. Woodruff Jr. Charitable Trust, celebrates student talent by using the winning designs to create signature items for the State Botanical Garden Gift Shop. The artist of the winning design will be awarded $1,000. Other awards of $500 and $250, plus certificates of merit, will be awarded.The deadline is Dec. 10.

Artwork should be within a certain size and must be two-dimensional. Entrants should keep in mind that the goal is to create items for the State Botanical Garden Gift Shop, such as journals, scarves, t-shirts, travel mugs and other unique gift items. All two-dimensional media including pencil, pen and ink, paint, photography and computer enhanced graphics are permitted. A botanical or nature theme, including plants, birds, insects and other animals related to Georgia is encouraged. One color designs are welcome. The artwork does not need to be framed but should be signed.

For more information, see the complete guidelines at www.uga.edu/botgarden/documents/events/artcomp.pdfor contact Connie Cottingham at 706/542-6014 or connicot@uga.edu.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Lawn or Garden Not Picture Perfect? Enter Get My Pest Out Photo Contest

(PR.com)-- With summertime fast approaching a lot of people dream of having picture perfect lawns and gardens, but outdoor pests can spoil the view. Now through July 30, homeowners can upload photos of their worst pest problems at www.getmypestout.com, for a chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes to help make that summertime dream come true.

Whether it’s grubs, fire ants, disease, or any other kind of pest destroying lawns or gardens, weekly winners will be selected by popular vote, receiving products to help control pest problems, and three Grand Prize winners each will receive $1,000 gift certificates to local retailers that may be used to help solve their yard pest problems.

“Homeowners send us photos all the time asking ‘What can I do?’ or ‘What is this?’” says Daphne Huey, marketing manager, Gulfstream Home & Garden. “Here is a chance to showcase their pest problems and have a chance to win.”

Gulfstream Home & Garden, the sponsors of the contest, also are offering tips on yard care and ridding yards and gardens of pests through Facebook and Twitter, and the Get My Pest Out blog.

Entrants are encouraged to use their social networks to drive votes to their photo entry during the contest which began May 24. One Grand Prize winner will be selected by each of three methods: Popular vote, highest rated, and judges’ selection.

For more information and contest rules, and to enter, vote or rate photos, visit www.getmypestout.com.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Fayette County Challenge: Keeping Local Sports Fields In Shape

NF Note: Come on Fayette County! Here is your chance to really help out our kids and nominate one of our sports' fields for a makeover. See a field that needs some work? Check this out. This could help offset some of those pesky budget cuts.

(NAPSI)-A unique program could give local sports fields and parks a much-needed face-lift--and the result could be happier, healthier children.

The National Recreation and Park Association projects a $38 billion funding deficit for basic needs of local parks over the next four years. Budget cuts for these parks and recreation departments could result in fewer places for kids to play, particularly in the inner cities.

Public fields are an invaluable resource to our nation's communities. That's why the Kellogg's Frosted Flakes Earn Your Stripes program plans to renovate 50 fields across the United States as part of its field renovation program. This initiative was created to provide children with the opportunity to stay active and be their very best by giving them better places to play.

The Earn Your Stripes initiative kicked off with the reveal of the first fully renovated field in Tampa with New Orleans Saints quarterback, Drew Brees. This event initiated a nationwide opportunity for parents to nominate local fields for renovation, demonstrating that before anyone can earn a single stripe, someone has to help give kids places to realize their promise and potential.

"Frosted Flakes' field makeover program and the first field renovation in Tampa are great examples of what we can do to help encourage our kids to be active and stay healthy," said Brees. "It just takes a few minutes for parents to go online to frostedflakes.com, nominate a field and make a difference in kids' lives."

How to "Earn Your Stripes" in The Community

• Adults 18 years of age or older may nominate a designated outdoor baseball, softball, T-ball, soccer, football, lacrosse, field hockey field, track or basketball court in their local community for a makeover.

• Registration and entry submission are free and entrants are required to answer a few questions about the field, why it needs to be renovated and how a makeover would help the community.

• Nominations will be accepted online at www.frostedflakes.com until March 31, 2009. The site also has more information on the program and on ways to get involved in the field renovation initiative.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Backyard Botanical™ to Launch Exciting Makeover Sweepstakes on Popular Television Show "The Balancing Act"

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Backyard Botanical™ is giving away six exceptional outdoor products as part of its Makeover Sweepstakes which will kick-off during its appearance on "The Balancing Act" on February 16th. After filling out the entry form at www.balancingact.com or www.backyardbotanical.com, one lucky winner will be selected in April to receive the Backyard Botanical™ Sky Fort Play Set with Clubhouse, Monkey Bars & Slide, Cedar Play House, Backyard Botanical™ Oasis Gardening System, outdoor picnic table and a deluxe Cedar Doghouse. All of these delightful additions to the backyard are offered by Leisure Time Products™.

The sweepstakes is the latest element of Backyard Botanical's national marketing campaign which will include multiple television appearances on the educational television shows "Designing Spaces" and "Kitchen Spaces," produced by O2 Media's subsidiary Quorum Productions as well as "The Balancing Act," which is produced by its subsidiary BrandStar Entertainment. Production is also underway for short and long form direct response spots which are created by O2 Media's subsidiary DR Marketing Group. The shows will air nationally on Lifetime, TLC, the WE network and more.

"This is an ideal time to launch the sweepstakes, as the weather is improving and homeowners are looking for ways to enhance their yards and outdoor living experiences," says Devon Cohen, Chief Marketing Officer of O2 Media. ""The Balancing Act" is an ideal venue for this portion of the campaign as the show's demographic coincides with parents, gardeners and homeowners who are looking for high-quality outdoor products."

"We find it appropriate that the sweepstakes is launching this month and that the winner will be chosen and announced on April 22nd, which is Earth Day," said Ron Scripsick, CEO of Backyard Leisure. "Our commitment to enjoying the outdoors with products made of cedar, which blend in with the beauty of nature."

To enter, and view the full Sweepstakes rules and prize details, visit www.balancingact.com or www.backyardbotanical.com.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

What's Your Vision for an Organic Future?

/PRNewswire/ -- Passionate about organic food and excited about change for the better? Beginning Feb. 1, Organic Valley -- a Wisconsin-based cooperative of more than 1,300 organic family farmers nationwide -- will launch a national social media site in which individuals can share and celebrate their passions for healthy, sustainable food at http://www.organicrising.com/.

Mad for organic milk? Crazy for CSA's? Pumped up about pasturing? Happy about humane animal treatment? Ecstatic for organic eggs? Proud of pesticide- free food? In the mooooood for butter? Like to grow your own?

Through March 31, 2009, Organic Valley is inviting individuals to post and share their vision for a healthier and more sustainable future through video, music, essays, photos and other creative media at the Web site.

In April, Organic Valley will randomly select five participants to win a year of free Organic Valley Half & Half.

"The simple joy of tasting local and organically-grown foods from our vibrant earth is enough to remind most of us what's important for a healthy and sustainable future," said Sarah Bratnober, marketing director at Organic Valley. "We've created http://www.organicrising.com/ as the ideal forum for likeminded souls to honor the planet by sharing their visions."

Organic Valley is complementing the "Organic Rising" initiative with an educational campaign on the benefits of a healthy, organic breakfast. Full details can be found on http://www.organicrising.com/. On-site and at select retailers, Organic Valley will provide coupons for ideal breakfast items such as half & half, brown eggs, soy, orange juice, buttermilk and Organic Prairie sausage links.

Organic Valley Family of Farms: Independent and Farmer-Owned

Organic Valley is America's largest cooperative of organic farmers and is one of the nation's leading organic brands. Organized in 1988, it represents 1,322 farmers in 34 states and one Canadian province, and achieved $432.5 million in 2007 sales. Focused on its founding mission of saving family farms through organic farming, Organic Valley produces a variety of organic foods, including organic milk, soy, cheese, butter, spreads, creams, eggs, produce and juice, which are sold in supermarkets, natural foods stores and food cooperatives nationwide. The same farmers who produce for Organic Valley also produce a full range of delicious organic meat under the Organic Prairie Family of Farms label. For further information, call 1-888-444-MILK or visit http://www.organicvalley.coop/, http://www.organicprairie.coop/ and the cooperative's farmer website, http://www.farmers.coop/.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Wanted: Avid Photographers And Nature Lovers

(NAPSI)-From stargazing to alligator spotting, from touring Civil War sites to witnessing a blizzard of snow geese, America's federal lands offer a variety of fun and picturesque fall and winter activities. And by capturing some of these moments on film, an amateur shutterbug may be able to share his/her personal perspective with the whole world.

As part of the 2008 Share the Experience Photo Contest, photographers are encouraged to visit such awesome sites as San Rafael Swell in Utah, Joshua Tree National Park in California and the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire, to appreciate, explore and capture the majestic beauty.

The contest runs through December 31, 2008 and is designed to showcase the more than 500 million acres of federal lands, drawing entries from all across the United States.

The Grand Prize winner will earn the international honor of having the winning image grace the 2010 Annual Federal Recreation Lands Pass, an annual pass that provides access to all participating Federal Land Management Agency sites where an entrance fee is charged. Additionally, the Grand Prize winner will receive an Olympus E-3 DSLR digital camera kit and a five-day, four-night trip to a Federal Recreation Land of his/her choice.

This year's official contest is sponsored by the National Park Foundation and Olympus Imaging America Inc. in partnership with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service.

Citizens and legal residents of the United States who are at least 18 years of age can enter by submitting up to three entries online at www.sharetheexperience.org; or via mail in a hand written, stamped envelope to Share the Experience Official Federal Recreation Lands Photo Contest, c/o ePrize, LLC, P.O. Box 8070, Royal Oak, MI 48068.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia

Secrets of Season-long Stunning Color in Your Garden

NF Note: Hey, it's another photo contest! We know our readers avid photographers so get ready and get snapping!

(ARA) - In summer, there’s drought; in winter, snow and cold. Does it seem like Mother Nature is determined to leach the color from your garden? It is possible to keep your garden colorful much of the year. All you need is the right combination of plants and a little green thumb savvy.

“One of the top tricks of great gardeners is to plant in the fall,” says Stephanie Cohen, author of many gardening books.

“Establishing most plants in the fall is easy and an excellent way to ensure they’ll be successful in the spring. Adds Cohen, “The weather and soil conditions are better in the fall, as opposed to spring when it tends to be cold, muddy and wet.”

Cohen recommends first, when planning your color-filled garden, to choose easy to grow and drought-resistant plants. Check with your local agricultural extension if you’re unsure what plants will do well in your region and climate. Some particularly hardy flowers – like impatiens, petunias and pansies – can bloom year-round in moderate climates. Be sure to plant a variety that will bloom at different times in the year and within the season.

Next, incorporate some stunners into your garden planning. Roses may well be the essence of floral elegance, but traditional varieties tend to be fragile and labor intensive. Cohen recommends one of the new landscape shrub varieties, like The Knock Out Roses, that require far less care yet bloom spectacularly year round.

These roses grow well anywhere in the country – from the wintry landscape of Minnesota to the sultry shores of Florida – and come in seven colors and bloom styles to suit every garden and landscaping need. From upright shrubs in containers that cover a hard to reach hillside forming a colorful hedge, to adding a focal point in your garden, these beauties will perform every time.

Moving out of the planning phase, be sure to put your plants in the ground at the time of year that’s best for each. For example, some drought-resistant plants can stand up to summer’s heat and go in the ground anytime, even July or August. Flowers, no matter how hardy, generally have an optimum planting time.

“Fall is an excellent time for planting, and roses are no exception,” says Steve Hutton, plantsman and president of The Conard-Pyle Co.

For fall color, Hutton recommends planting Knock Out shrub roses during the closing months of summer. The flowers will bloom well through the end of September in most hardiness zones. Just remember to give them plenty of water and lots of sun.

When planting, always use fertilizer and consider installing drip lines for irrigation with maximum efficiency and minimum waste. Be sure you know a plant’s preferred sun exposure before you slip it into a bed. Many drought-resistant plants can easily handle full sun, but many flowers crave a mix of sun and shade.

“The right plant in the right spot means longer life with less care and use of natural resources,” reminds Hutton.

Once you’ve established your garden, regular maintenance – like removing dead blooms, pruning roses, etc. – and watering should be all you need to ensure your garden is gorgeous and colorful year round.

Enter the "Knock (Us) Out" Photo Contest

If you’d like some recognition for your hard work and brilliant planting strategies Conard-Pyle is sponsoring the “Knock (Us) Out” photo contest. Enter your photographs online now until Oct. 31, 2008. Competitors should take pictures of their creative use of Knock Out roses in one of three categories – home garden, commercial landscape and most creative use. Grand prize is $350 plus five Knock Out roses and 10 companion plants. Runners-up in each category will win $150 and five Knock Out roses.

Visit www.theknockoutrose.com for contest details.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page