GEORGETOWN — The New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Conservation Districts announce the opening of the annual conservation poster contest, inviting Delaware students from kindergarten through 12th grade to participate.

The theme for the 2024 contest is "May the Forest Be With You, Always," with submissions accepted from public, charter, private, and homeschooled students across the state.

Students will compete in the following grade categories: K-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Digital posters will be accepted from students in the 7-9 and 10-12 grade categories. First, second, and third-place winners in each grade category will receive cash prizes of $50, $25, and $15, respectively.

Entries can be submitted electronically, by mail, or in person at local conservation districts by Oct. 25.

Each district will forward first-place posters from each grade category to be judged at the state level. State winners will receive cash awards from the Delaware Association of Conservation Districts. Should there be an insufficient number of posters at the county level, county-level judging will be bypassed, and all submissions will be judged at the state level. First-place state winners will advance to the national poster contest.

The annual conservation poster contest offers students a creative platform to express their thoughts on vital issues related to soil, water, and natural resources. The contest is part of the educational outreach efforts by conservation districts, their state associations, and associated agencies, all aligned with the National Association of Conservation Districts' annual stewardship theme.

The 2024 theme emphasizes the crucial role forests play in soil and water conservation and their importance in sustaining the planet. Forests are vital for oxygen production, carbon storage, and biodiversity. They also protect soil and water resources by preventing erosion, filtering contaminants, and supporting healthy watersheds.

For more information or to submit a poster, contact the conservation district in home county:

• New Castle County: Bruce Macolley, 302-365-8971
• Kent County: Alisa Bentley, 302-608-5370
• Sussex County: Siobhan Kelley, 302-856-2105.