Honest child returns pine cone taken from national park with heartfelt apology note

A child who broke the rules of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and took a pine cone home recently realized the error of his or her ways and returned it along with a note.

It read, in part, "I took a pine cone out of the forest and I wanted to return it. I hope it will be placed near the General Grant tree because that is where I took it. I am sorry for my decision."

SEE ALSO: The inspiring reason why this 21-year-old's first bikini is going viral

The park posted the child's message on Facebook and explained why taking a pine cone home is not a good idea, noting, "It's a tough environment here. The animals need [pine cone] nibbles and the area needs the seeds and vegetation. Also, cones and other plants deteriorate and help to create soil in this rocky environment."

It also pointed out the cone in question did not come from a pine tree, rather hails from a Giant Sequoia.

RELATED: Inspirational locker notes