News from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

For more information contact: Maureen Wren, 518-402-8000

New York Announces Arbor Day Poster Contest

Entries Must be Received by January 17, 2008

ALBANY, NY (12/14/2007; 1119)(readMedia)-- Fifth graders from around the state are invited to showcase their artistic talents and to increase public awareness about trees in New York by participating in the annual National Arbor Day Poster Contest. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis and Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Patrick Hooker announced today that the state is soliciting entries from students to participate both in the New York State contest, and potentially the National Arbor Day Poster Contest.

DEC Commissioner Grannis said: “Protecting and managing our forests, and promoting a healthy, balanced ecosystem will be important challenges for the next generation of New Yorkers. By participating in the annual Arbor Day poster contest, students learn about the importance of trees and how they affect the health and well-being of our environment.”

Agriculture Commissioner Hooker said: “Whether tapping a maple tree in early spring or providing shade on a hot summer day, trees are an important part of our everyday lives. They are also beautiful to draw, sketch or paint and this poster contest in honor of Arbor Day is an excellent way for children to show their appreciation for all that trees provide us.”

The annual contest is sponsored in New York by DEC, Agriculture and Markets, and the State Education Department. Students are asked to design an original poster depicting this year’s contest theme: “Trees are Terrific . . . Inside and Out!” The New York State winner will have his or her artwork replicated as the official 2008 New York State Arbor Day bookmark and the winning poster will be presented at the annual Arbor Day Celebration in Albany. Last year, New York printed more than 200,000 Arbor Day bookmarks for distribution at schools, libraries, government offices, nursery and landscaping businesses, and environmental organizations throughout the State.

In addition, the New York State winner will have his or her artwork submitted to compete in the National Arbor Day Poster Contest. The national winner will be announced at a ceremony in Nebraska City, Nebraska scheduled in April 2008.

The contest is open to all students enrolled in the fifth grade. Anyone needing contest packets can request them by contacting Mary Kramarchyk, DEC’s poster contest coordinator, at (518) 402-9425. Packets include background information, hands-on educational activities and complete contest rules. Posters must be submitted by January 17, 2008.

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