Environment DEC
From the January 2004 issue
Fifth-Graders Encouraged to Create Posters for Arbor Day Contest
Looking for a creative, fun and constructive activity for your fifth-grader this holiday season? Encourage her or him to create a poster for the 2004 Arbor Day National Poster Contest.
DEC Commissioner Erin M. Crotty invites all fifth-graders in New York State to showcase their artistic talent and their commitment to the environment by entering the contest. In addition to DEC, sponsors include the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the New York State Education Department, the National Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota Motor Corporation.
"New York's unique forests and remarkable wilderness areas represent some of the nation's most precious and important ecosystems," Commissioner Crotty said. "We need the next generation of environmental stewards to continue our goals of preserving and properly managing these areas so that they will be protected in the future. The annual Arbor Day poster contest helps us emphasize the important role trees play in the environment, and helps young people gain a greater appreciation for the value of natural resources."
Winner Makes (Book)Mark
Students should design original posters depicting this year's contest theme: "Trees are Terrific...In Cities and Towns!" The New York State winner's artwork will be used on the state's official 2004 Arbor Day bookmark, and the winning poster will be unveiled at the annual Arbor Day celebration in Albany. Last year, New York State printed more than 37,000 Arbor Day bookmarks for distribution at schools, libraries, government offices, nursery and landscaping businesses, and environmental organizations throughout the state.
National Competition
The state winner's artwork will be entered in the National Arbor Day Poster Contest. The winner of the national contest will be announced at a ceremony scheduled for April 30, 2004 in Nebraska City, Nebraska.
DEC's contest is open to all students enrolled in the fifth grade in New York State. Teachers and parents who home-school their children can request information packets by contacting Mary Kramarchyk, coordinator of DEC's poster contest, at (518)402-9425. Packets include background information, hands-on educational activities and complete contest rules. Remember, the deadline for receipt of posters is January 9, 2004. Encourage your fifth-grader to create a poster and send it to DEC today!
