The competition may be unofficial, but it's real and for a good cause.

Walker County students from Graysville and West Side elementary schools raise money each year to help the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park with upkeep of their historic tablets. West Side assistant principal Mary Ann Dyer said the schools try to outdo each other in fundraising.

"We kind of have an unofficial competition," she said. "We don't emphasize that too much."

More than the competition, teachers said they emphasize community service, history and preservation during their annual "March for the Parks" event.

"Students understand to give back to the community and make it a nice place for us to visit and for others," she said.

Civil War history also matches up with portions of the schools' curriculum, officials said.

The fundraiser is part of a nationwide initiative to promote public support for preservation of national, state and local parks, said Sam Weddle, spokesman for the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.

Students ask for donations, and then take a field trip to the park for a three-mile walk and picnic.

Graysville students participated last week, and West Side students are scheduled to march Wednesday.

Kay Hardeman, fourth-grade teacher at Graysville, said the experience is valuable.

"It makes them aware of all that is out there," she said.

Both schools have participated for more than 10 years. Park Resource Manager Jim Szyjkowski said that since 1998, the military park has recast 16 interpretative tablets.

Mr. Weddle said it helps students understand the importance of parks and preservation.

"Parks have long been known to be a benefit to communities," he said.

Since students help with upkeep of plaques and monuments, park officials and teachers said it gives the students a feeling of ownership.

"They can see something they actually did to improve the battlefield," Mr. Weddle said. "That is pretty powerful. It is a very strong connection."