The Canadian Wildlife Federation has recognized a Pitt Meadows child for her creativity and love of nature.

Seven-year-old Isabella Zhang's painting has been picked among the best from across Canada and the United States for the CWF's Get to Know Contest.

The painting, Sounds of Spring in Park, was inspired by a visit to Bonson Park "which is a park just beside our home," said Isabella, who is returning as a Grade 2 student at Meadowridge School.

Drawing since age four, Isabella finds a lot of inspiration for her art [primarily painting and drawing] outdoors.

In this case, a visit to the neighbourhood park inspired her to sit down and paint a very vivid image of blue Forget Me Nots, squirrels, and birds.

Her painting teacher in Port Coquitlam was so impressed with Isabella's work that she encouraged the youngster to enter the CWF competition.

The Get to Know contest judges obviously concurred, awarding the youngster honourable mentions in this year's contest.

"My daughter is passion of painting," said her proud mother, Li Li, who saw her daughter's talent emerging early on and started enrolling her in various types of art classes.

With some 7,000 "fantastic and creative entries" submitted, judges had a hard time picking the best in each of the five categories: art, writing, photography, video, and music.

This year, renowned B.C. wildlife artist Robert Bateman encouraged young people (19 and younger) to develop a deeper appreciation for their neighbours of other species by getting outdoors and creating.

The theme of the 2012 CWF Get to Know Contest is "Get to Know Your Wild Neighbours" in keeping with Bateman's belief that caring for our environment begins with knowing the names of our neighbours of wild species.

"The goal of the contest is to engage the power of art to help youth feel more connected with nature," Bateman said.

"It's all about making connections with other environmentally passionate youth, using the creative arts to con-vey your passion, and having your accomplishments celebrated."

As one of the winners in the art contest, Isabella will have her painting included in the 2013 CWF Get to Know calendar and she's been invited to a special Get to Know congratulations event being held in Vancouver in September.

rhooper@mrtimes.com