“Seedlings” Essay Contest FAQ

Is there an age range for the contest?
Writers of any age up to 18 may participate. 

Do you have to be a member of the Sierra Club to submit?
Nope! This is a national essay-writing contest open to anyone.

How long should the essay be?
Essays should be in the range of 750 to 1,500 words. Is your story longer or shorter than that, but you still want us to consider it? Give it a try! Please keep in mind that an essay that is too short or too long may not serve your storytelling well.

Does the essay have to be accompanied by photos or video?
Please submit a few photos that document the trip you took. Video is not required. 

Are there examples of what other writers have done that would be similar?
Check out this essay John Shell wrote for last year’s “Seedlings” issue.

Here are some other stories we published about experiences in the outdoors:

• One Final Father-Son Adventure Tests the Limits of Horsepower
• The Long Journey of Mt. Mitchell’s Ancient Forests
• An Offering to History on the Mississippi Mound Trail
• What It's Like to Kayak With Whales in Haida Gwaii

Does the essay have to be based on a state or national park near where I live, or can I submit a story about an experience I had in another state?
Your essay does not need to be about public lands near where you live. You can write about any experience you’ve had exploring a wild place and why protecting that place matters.

Have other questions that aren’t listed? Click here to contact Sierra.