2004 National Arbor Day Poster Contest Deadline is March 5

February 27, 2004

The National Arbor Day Foundation, in conjunction with the Colorado Tree Coalition, invites all fifth-grade classes in Colorado to showcase their artistic talents by creating posters reflecting the theme Trees are Terrific...in Cities and Towns! Deadline to enter this year’s contest is March 5.

The annual National Arbor Day Poster contest, sponsored by Toyota, teaches children about the importance of planting and caring for trees.

Participating teachers will receive a free ecosystem activity guide including in-depth lesson plans, hands-on activities and contest information.

Following in-school activities, Colorado students will be eligible to participate in a statewide competition, and the winner will advance to the national level. The national poster contest winner will be announced on National Arbor Day, April 23. The national winner, two parents, and the teacher of the winning student will receive an expense-paid trip to Nebraska City, Neb., birthplace of Arbor Day. The national winner also will receive a $1,000 savings bond and lifetime membership in The National Arbor Day Foundation. The winning teacher will receive $200 for classroom materials.

Colorado teachers and homeschoolers can enter the contest by contacting Donna Davis, contest coordinator for Colorado and member of the Colorado Tree Coalition. Mail requests to Davis at Colorado State Forest Service, 208 Santa Fe Ave, #21, La Junta, CO 81050, or send an e-mail to dodavis@lamar.colostate.edu.