The We All Need Trees Conservation Poster Contest Is Open

The National Conservation Poster Contest is well under way and open to students in grades K-12 that would like to participate. Richland County students should submit their posters to the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District for local judging by April 8; students in other S.C. counties should contact their local conservation district for entry deadlines and details. Posters will be evaluated by grade level according to the following criteria: conservation message (50 percent), visual effectiveness (30 percent), originality (10 percent) and universal appeal (10 percent). Each entry must include a signed entry form. Although younger students may receive help in planning their posters from parents or teachers, students are encouraged to complete as much of the work as possible themselves. Entries completed by students in their own handwriting and coloring will score better than those designed, drawn and/or colored with adult assistance.

Trees are essential for the survival of humans and other organisms. They produce oxygen, remove pollutants from the air, capture and cleanse runoff, protect soil from erosion, mitigate climate change, provide shade and create habitat for wildlife. Trees and forests are important economically; forestry is the number one manufacturing sector in S.C.’s economy, with an $18.6 billion impact statewide. 

For more contest information, including a complete list of participation rules and guidelines, call 803-576-2080, email [email protected] or visit RCgov.us.