Call for Submissions: Canadian Museum of Nature Announces National Awards for Nature Inspiration

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 17, 2014) - The Canadian Museum of Nature, Canada's national museum of natural history and natural sciences, has launched a new award program to celebrate innovative programs that engage Canadians about nature and the natural world.

The submission deadline for the inaugural Nature Inspiration Awards is May 16, 2014. A ceremony to recognize the winners will take place in November at the museum in downtown Ottawa.

"It is our hope that these awards will not only celebrate excellence and raise awareness of the innovative and creative approaches that have been inspired by nature, but will also encourage a healthy, rejuvenated and creative engagement with the natural world," says Meg Beckel, museum President and CEO.

Four categories of applicants are eligible for the Nature Inspiration Awards: youth (aged 17 and younger-group or individual), individuals (aged 18 and up), not-for-profit organizations and corporations. Through an essay, as well as supporting documentation, applicants must demonstrate leadership, innovative best practices and accomplishments that encourage a positive interaction with the natural world. A jury will select the winners in each category.

Complete guidelines and application forms are available at nature.ca/awards. Each of the four awards includes $5,000 to be donated to a program chosen by the recipient. For more information, email awards@mus-nature.ca.

About the Canadian Museum of Nature

The Canadian Museum of Nature is Canada's national museum of natural history and natural sciences. The museum provides evidence-based insights, inspiring experiences and meaningful engagement with nature's past, present and future. It achieves this through scientific research, a 10.5 million specimen collection, education programs, signature and travelling exhibitions, and a dynamic web site, www.nature.ca.