You have a magnetic force that pulls at me constantly.

Over the years, I have been renewed by your beauty.

You restored my balance, my quiet harmony and wonder.

Hallmark cards? Nope—these sweet nothings all come from your entries to the Love Letters to Parks contest. We received heartfelt messages to beloved parks all over the country, from big names like the Grand Canyon to incredible local treasures like Angel Oak Park in Charleston.

We also heard touching stories about the ways parks have connected you with special people in your life—by inspiring fond memories of lost loved one or setting the stage for a happy marriage that started with chance run-in on the trail.

With more than 250 "likes," our winner was Heather Kemper from Visalia, California. You can read her poem and other park love letters on our Facebook page here—it's also the first place to check for the next contest!