As we approach the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day, we’re issuing a “Six Words for the Planet” challenge. Where did the idea for a six-word story originate? According to legend, Ernest Hemingway was challenged to write a short story using only six words. He came up with: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” Since then people of all ages from around the world have taken the six-word story challenge.

What six words will you use to celebrate planet Earth? Think about your relationship to nature, where you see its beauty, what your favorite – or least favorite – creatures and plants are. What does being “green” mean to you?

Members Only: For a chance to be featured in the next issue of Membership Monday, send your submission to membership@flmnh.ufl.edu by noon on Friday, April 24. One lucky submission will be chosen at random to receive a puzzle prize from our Collectors Shop (contactless delivery)!

Looking for inspiration? Step out into your backyard. Or consider a story about your favorite natural history wonders at the Florida Museum.

Here are a few more story examples:

• Good planets are hard to find.  –anonymous
• Weather, please match my outlook: Sunny.  –biogirl
• Backyard nesting frenzy. Better than YouTube.  –anonymous
• I’m easily distra…hey a butterfly!  –Squirrelyboy
• Never too old to climb trees.  –anonymous
• Science answers questions life asks.  –0D-Rock

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Backyard Biodiversity Challenge last week! Enjoy a sampling of submissions, including one from our youngest participant, below. Congratulations to our first puzzle winners, member Jennie U. and her artists Anna, Zach and Madelyn!