Arbor Day School Poster Contest seeks entries by March 15
The Delaware Forest Service is seeking entries for its annual Arbor Day School Poster Contest, open to students in kindergarten through fifth grades in all public, private, homeschool, afterschool and other organized youth groups. Winning posters will be selected from each of the three counties in the following grade categories: Kindergarten, Grades 1 and 2, Grades 3 and 4, and Grade 5.
The 12 winners will be recognized at the annual Statewide Arbor Day Celebration hosted by Gov. John Carney in Dover. A tree-planting ceremony will be scheduled at each winner's school, and the teacher will receive a $50 gift card for classroom supplies. The deadline to register is Wednesday, March 15, with poster submissions due by Friday, March 31.
This year's theme is Trees Are Terrific...from Acorn to Oak! It is designed to increase knowledge about the importance and diversity of the oak tree as well as introduce students to the process of tree identification. Throughout the history of the United States, oaks have offered shelter, beauty, and valuable wood products, and served as symbols of strength. Through basic classification skills, students will recognize unique characteristics that separate oaks from other trees.
All participating classes will receive free loblolly pine seedlings delivered to their school, just in time to celebrate Arbor Day Friday, April 28. Studying Delaware's forests can help supplement science units and is a perfect opportunity to localize classroom lessons. For teachers to download an activity guide, go to www.delawaretrees.com/2017-arbor-day/acorn-to-oak.pdf. For more information including contest guidelines, go to www.delawaretrees.com.
