The Delaware Forest Service invites students in grades K to 5 to enter its 2013 Arbor Day Poster Contest, which is open to all public, private, charter, and home schools in the First State. “Trees are Terrific…in all Shapes and Sizes!” is this year’s theme, which highlights the importance of tree diversity in our community forests. The annual poster contest is a fun way to celebrate Arbor Day with your school, and every class that participates in the Arbor Day Poster Contest will receive free loblolly pine seedlings. Teachers or school personnel must register for their seedlings by March 8, 2013 at http://2013arbordaypostercontest.eventbrite.com.

 

Prizes Awarded to Winners
Winners will be chosen in each county – New Castle, Kent, and Sussex – for the following categories:

• Kindergarten
• Grades 1 to 2
• Grades 3-4
• Grade 5

From these 12 winners, an overall state winner will be selected to represent Delaware on Arbor Day.

All county winners receive:

• $50.00 savings bond
• An in-class Arbor Day presentation
• Invitation to the State Arbor Day Ceremony (attended by the Governor)
• “Tree-inspired” children’s book
• Winning posters will be reprinted on canvas and framed for display throughout the year at state events and will be returned to the winner as a keepsake
• Winning posters will also displayed online on the Delaware Forest Service website.
  Please visit: http://dda.delaware.gov/forestry/arborpost12.shtml to see the 2012 winners

The state winner will receive all of the above prizes plus an additional $50.00 savings bond.

Prizes Awarded to Teachers
Teachers of students with a winning poster will receive $50.00 to spend on classroom material to help promote environmental education. Only one award per teacher/home school will be awarded. Teachers will be contacted with more information after the posters have been judged. All purchases must be made by July 1, 2013.

Posters should be sent or delivered to:
Ashley Peebles, Delaware Forest Service
2320 South Dupont Hwy.
Dover, DE 19901
302-698-4551

Deadline for poster submission: March 28, 2013

Judging Criteria
Posters will be judged on the following criteria:

• Use of theme
• Originality
• Neatness
• Artistic expression

This year’s theme
Trees come in all shapes and sizes – producing a vast array of fruits, flowers, leaves, and seeds. A diverse community forest is a healthier forest that attracts a variety of wildlife and is more visually stimulating. Awareness of the difference between tree species can help in selecting the proper tree to plant in a given location based on site conditions, temperature and soil. Increasing student awareness of the many different types of trees is an important first step toward establishing a blend of trees that are well-suited to providing benefits such as cleaner air and natural beauty.

Click here for the complete poster rules, guidelines and prizes.

Click here for a classroom guide with ideas to incorporate the theme into your curriculum.