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SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (AP) -- Illinois high school seniors who have demonstrated efforts to preserve, protect or enhance the state's natural resources are eligible for scholarships.

The Illinois Conservation Foundation will award scholarships of $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000.

Applicants must be residents of Illinois and a senior during the current school year.

They must have demonstrated "voluntary, effective contributions to Illinois' natural resources" during their time in high school.

Marc Miller is director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and chairman of the Illinois Conservation Foundation board.

He says part of the foundation's mission is to encourage future leaders to "enhance a sustainable outdoor environment."

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Online: www.ilcf.org/documents/YouthSchlrshp2011final.pdf.

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