Original Artwork Entries Must Be Received by December 31, 2018

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the start of DEC’s annual 2019 State Arbor Day poster and artwork contests. New York’s fifth graders are invited to showcase their artistic talents and help to increase public awareness about trees by participating in the 5^th Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest. The Arbor Day Planning Committee will also be accepting original art and photography submissions to be selected as the New York State Arbor Day Poster.

“Trees play a vital role in the lives of New Yorkers and are an important part of our ecosystem and quality of life,” Commissioner Seggos said. “I encourage all fifth graders to join in on our celebration of trees to showcase why trees are important in our daily lives and to submit art or photos that depict the beauty of New York’s trees.”

The winner/s will have his or her artwork replicated as the official 2019 New York State 5^th Grade Arbor Day Poster and the official 2019 New York State Arbor Day Original Artwork Poster. The winning artists will be announced and honored at the annual Arbor Day celebration, held the last Friday in April. Last year, New York printed more than 200,000 Arbor Day posters for distribution at schools, libraries, government offices, nursery and landscaping businesses, and environmental organizations throughout the State.

Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “New York State is home to nearly 19 million acres of forest. That’s nearly two-thirds of our land. We have a remarkable history of protecting this natural resource. Arbor Day celebrations and this poster contest help remind us how trees not only drive our economy but enhance our outdoor recreation and improve our quality of life.”

Promote Arbor Day with your Artwork

The Arbor Day Committee includes DEC, Empire State Forest Foundation, NYS Arborist Association, State Department of Agriculture and Markets (DAM), as well as the International Paper Company. 

DEC will accept artwork on behalf of the committee through December 31, 2018. Original artwork entries should be sent to arborday@dec.ny.gov. For more information about the contest, visit DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/108006.html or email arborday@dec.ny.gov. To obtain past NYS Arbor Day posters, contact any local DEC forestry office or call 518-402-9428.

5^th Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest

The annual 5^th Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest is sponsored by DEC, DAM, and Education. Students are asked to create an original poster depicting this year’s contest theme: “Habitats for Bats.”

Posters must be submitted by December 21, 2018 to your local DEC regional office to allow time for judging and printing of the artwork. The contest is open to all students enrolled in fifth grade. For more information, contact Mary Martin, DEC’s Arbor Day 5^th Grade Poster Contest coordinator, at (518) 402-9428, or visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/25420.html.