Get to know your wild neighbors!

“Whether it's a camping trip, visiting the zoo, a park or hiking a trail, the Get to Know program and contest encourages youth to connect with nature and use their creative talents by writing, photographing, illustrating or video recording their outdoor experiences.” ~ Regional Forester Randy Moore

Robert Bateman's illustation of kids outdoors. More Bateman art »

The Forest Service is proud to partner with world renowned artist Robert Bateman's "Get to Know" (Your Wild Neighbors) program and calendar contest. Since 2000, the Canadian–based contest has featured the art work, photos and writing that demonstrates the impact nature has on youth.

In support of the program, Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell said,

“What a great way for young people to learn about nature than through art, photography, writing and this year's new video category in the annual Get to Know competition. It is especially exciting this year that our future stewards of urban forests, national forests and grasslands will go outdoors and create videos capturing 'This is My Forest' as a theme.”

The Get to Know (G2K) program was introduced in the United States on National Get Outdoors Day, June 13, 2009. This is the 2nd year the program will be highlighted in California. Several forests are hosting outdoor events that will also include G2K activities for kids.

About the Calendar Contest

The G2K program centers around a calendar contest which allows contestants 18–years and younger to submit art work, photography, videos or writings about their outdoor experiences. Entries can be submitted online at www.gettoknow.ca, between October 1st and November 30th, 2010. Once submitted, the art work will be reviewed by a panel of judges.

The selected contestant's art work was published in the 2011 "Get to Know" Calendar. View 2009 Contest Winners.