The Nature Education for Kids task force is sponsoring a summit this week. Cheryl Charles, president and CEO of the Children and Nature Network, will give a presentation “The Ecology of Hope: Building a Movement to Reconnect Children and Nature.” The free presentation begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Free State High School auditorium, 4700 Overland Drive, and will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

The task force also is sponsoring an art and essay contest. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to submit an illustration that communicates an experience in nature. Students in sixth through 12th grade are encouraged to submit an essay in 500 words or less that describes what nature means to them or a personal experience in nature. Cash prizes, ranging from $75 to $250, will be awarded for first through third places in each category. The deadline is Friday. Entries may be sent electronically to dmorris@usd497.org or be dropped off at the Lawrence Schools Foundation, 110 McDonald Drive.