Students in Prince George’s County, Maryland, closed out 2013 by participating in a creative contest championed by the county Department of Parks and Recreation. The Get to Know Your Wild Neighbor 2013 Art Contest and Exhibition challenged more than 2,000 area youths to experience parks and natural resources in their area, then create an original work of art to document their experiences. Students spent time with park staff and six Prince George’s-based artists, who helped translate inspirational outdoor experiences into striking works of art in a mix of media, including photography, painting, pastels, poetry and mandalas created with natural materials. Two hundred entries were selected to be exhibited at the Learning Center Galley, located at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex, and in early December 2013, winning entries were recognized during a festive reception.