Annual Arbor Day Poster Contest

This year Massachusetts third, fourth, and fifth graders can participate in the Arbor Day Poster Contest. Each school holds its own poster contest and submits their winning poster to the DCR. Prizes include art supplies, ice cream, and a tree for the winner’s school.

Every year there is a theme to encourage students to think about trees in new ways, such as

• It’s Time for Trees (2023)

• Be a Cool Community, Plant Trees! (2022)

• Trees Please (2020)
• My Community, My Trees (2018)
• Trees are Terrific…from Berkshires to Bay! (2017)
• Trees Grow with Us and for Us (2016)
• Trees are Champions in My Community (2015)

The theme for 2024 is “Healthy Trees, Healthy Towns"

The deadline for the 2024 contest is March 15, 2024.

1. Create a Poster
   Ask each student to create a poster around the theme “Healthy Trees, Healthy Towns" that reflects their understanding of trees and the importance of trees in urban and community forests. The poster may relate to the theme of trees in our communities and how they protect (and are a part of) our natural resources. Students are encouraged to be creative with the theme. The theme is intended to invite a variety of interpretations related to the importance of trees in our neighborhoods.
    
2. Hold a School Poster Contest
   You may select the winner or have a judging panel for the classroom and school contest. Judges could include other students, garden club members, tree board members, nursery personnel, arborists, the tree warden, teachers, PTA members, or individuals with an interest in trees who are willing to volunteer some time. Home schooled or non-participating school students may submit their posters and enter the contest individually.
    
3. Submit your Winning Poster to DCR!

First Place

• A tree is planted on the grounds of the winner’s school (valued at $200)
• A certificate for art supplies and many other prizes
• and more…

Second Place, Third Place, and Honorable Mention Winners receive art supplies and many other prizes at a ceremony for all the winners.

Winner’s teacher will also receive prizes that include educational materials that will support continued learning about forests and natural resource conservation.

1. All entries must be original artwork created by a student who is currently in the third, fourth, or fifth grade. A student may enter the contest only once.
2. The student’s first name and last initial must be written in the lower right-hand corner on the front of the poster. Do not include the last name on the front of the poster.
3. CONTENT: The poster must be related to the contest theme in some way. The current theme must be on the poster. All words must be spelled correctly and be written clearly.
4. ENTRY MEDIA a) Entries may be done in marker, crayon, paint pens, watercolor, ink, acrylic, colored pencil, and/or tempera paint. b) Collages are not acceptable. (Do not glue anything on your poster.) c) Computer or photo-generated art and/or printing is not acceptable. d) Entries should not display the names of commercial products, companies, or organizations.
5. SIZE: Entries must be no smaller than 8.5 x 11” and no larger than 14 x 18.”
6. PAPER: Entries must be done on paper that will allow for duplication, display, and framing.
7. Entries should not be matted, mounted, laminated, framed, or folded.
8. Submit your school’s entry to DCR’s Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator, Julie Coop, as described on the “School Winner Report Form” on the page six of the application. Affix School Winner Report Form to the back of the poster.  See deadlines noted above.