National Geographic invites you to share pictures of plants and animals from your world with the whole world.

Last night, National Geographic received the 2013 Risorgimento Award from Destination Imagination, an organization that gives students the opportunity to learn and experience the creative process from imagination to innovation. In National Geographic’s acceptance speech, Melina Bellows of National Geographic Kids officially kicked off the Great Nature Project, a brand new photography initiative in honor of National Geographic’s 125^th anniversary.

Here’s a video of her speech; the Destination Imagination kids are excited to get involved!

For 125 years, National Geographic has dedicated itself to inspiring people to care about the planet. Now we want to ignite the world’s appreciation for, and awareness of, biodiversity during a world-wide celebration in September 2013. Our goal is to encourage one million participants from around the globe to go outside, and take and upload a photograph of a plant or animal using Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, Project Noah, iNaturalist, National Geographic’s Your Shot and/or National Geographic Kids My Shot.

The idea behind this project is simple: we are all explorers. So get out there, and explore your backyard! I think you’ll be surprised at what you find. The best part? Not only do you get to show everyone what you discover, but you’ll be able to see what everyone else in the world is seeing, too. We’re creating a snapshot of what the world looks like, and we need your help to do it.

Beginning in July, the photos you’re sharing, as well photos from people around the world, will be on display at greatnatureproject.org. To join in the fun, snap a photo of a plant or animal in your area then upload it to Twitter, Flicker, Instagram, iNaturalist, Project Noah, National Geographic Your Shot or National Geographic Kids My Shot. Include the hashtag #GreatNature in order to mark it as part of the project. You can also help us achieve a Guinness World Records ® title for the largest online photo album of animals. To participate in the record-break attempt, add #animal to any photo of any animal.

So whether you’re on a hike, on your lunch break, or in your backyard, we’re encouraging you to grab a camera and discover and document the incredible nature that’s a part of your world each day. By participating, you’ll help us celebrate the amazing and diverse life on our planet. We can’t wait for you to join us.

Sign up for more information at greatnatureproject.org. For free educator resources, or how to get your friends, family, students and/or coworkers involved, visit NatGeoEd.org/GreatNatureProject.