This year marks the 4th year for Elkhart County’s Leaf Collection Competition where $50,000 in prize money is waiting to be won.

The competition continues through December 20th. Nearly a dozen teams are taking part and the winnings will be divided among them based on the percentage of leaves they collect.

Each team is guaranteed $500 if they bring in at least 1-ton of leaves.

The contest is meant for volunteers, so for-profits are not allowed to enter.

The Elkhart Truth reports that leaves must be gathered from properties in the unincorporated county.

Communities with their own leaf pick-up programs are out. That includes Goshen, Elkhart, Bristol, Middlebury, Nappanee and Wakarusa.

Details about the contest can be found at the County’s Solid Waste District’s website here.