Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Announces “America’s Field Trip” Contest As Part Of America 250 Celebrations

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas is pleased to announce the “America’s Field Trip” contest, a nationwide initiative organized as part of the America 250 celebrations.

Hosted by America 250 at www.america250.org, this contest presents an opportunity for students in third through 12th grades to engage with history, culture, and nature, including the unique offerings of Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.

In 2026, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As the country honors this monumental occasion, it’s imperative to incorporate the voices of today’s youth, who stand as the future leaders, innovators, and thinkers shaping the next 250 years, a park release said.

The America’s Field Trip contest empowers students to share their personal perspectives on what America means to them. By crafting and submitting artwork, videos, or essays in response to the prompt “What does America mean to you?”, students and their parent/legal guardian or teacher with parental approval, have the opportunity to earn an unforgettable field trip experience to some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks. The contest concludes at 11:59 p.m. ET on May 17. For further details regarding the “America’s Field Trip” contest and how to participate, visit https://america250.org/fieldtrip/.

“At Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, we hold a deep belief in the transformative power of education to inspire future generations and instill a profound appreciation for our natural and cultural heritage,” remarked Kristen Hase, the preserve’s superintendent. “Through the ‘America’s Field Trip’ contest, we eagerly welcome students and educators to uncover the wonders of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem while exploring the multifaceted meanings of America.”

Twenty-five first-place winners from each grade level will embark on a 3-day, 2-night trip with free travel and lodging to a select historic or cultural site. Second-place winners will receive a $500 cash prize. Additionally, teachers affiliated with the top-scoring student submissions in each grade level will be awarded a $1,000 cash prize.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with America 250 in providing students and educators with an extraordinary opportunity to delve into our nation’s history through the ‘America’s Field Trip’ contest as our future generations explore the idea of what America means to them,” emphasized Heather Brown, Tallgrass Prairie’s chief of interpretation, education, and visitor services.  

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is located two miles north of Strong City on Kansas State Highway 177 (the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway) and is a unique public/private partnership between the National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy.  For more information, visit the preserve’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/NPS.TallgrassPrairie , website at www.nps.gov/tapr, email [email protected], or call the preserve at (620) 273-8494 ext 270.  To learn more about The Nature Conservancy in Kansas, visit the Conservancy’s website at www.nature.org/Kansas or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TNCKansas .