National Natural Landmark contest under way

Caverns of Sonora, a National Natural Landmark in Texas.

The 8th Annual National Natural Landmarks (NNL) Program Photo Contest is now under way. The NNL Program, which is administered by the National Park Service, recognizes outstanding examples of biological and geological features and supports landowners' voluntary conservation efforts.

There are 586 sites nationwide that have been given National Natural Landmark designation by the Secretary of the Interior. Landmark sites are not national park units but are natural areas owned by a variety of landowners including federal, state, county, municipal, tribal and private organizations and individuals. While many sites are open to visitation, designation does not require public access. Thus some sites are not open to the public or require landowner permission.

For this contest, each entrant may submit up to three photographs, but each photograph must be from a different NNL site. The contest ends June 30, 2011, so don't delay.

Thirteen winning photographs will be selected by vote by National Park Service employees nationwide. Winning photographs will appear in the 2012 NNL calendar, a commemorative edition highlighting the NNL Program's 50th Anniversary. Each of the winning entrants will receive copies of the calendar. First, second and third place winners will also receive a NNL-related prize.

To find a NNL near you, please visit http://www.nature.nps.gov/nnl/nation.cfm.

Official Contest Rules and Entry Form can be downloaded at http://www.nature.nps.gov/nnl/photocontest.cfm.