Schools sought for Arbor Day contest

The National Arbor Day Foundation and the Nevada Division of Forestry are calling on all fifth-grade classrooms in Nevada to showcase their artistic talents by creating posters reflecting the theme "Trees are Terrific ... in All Shapes and Sizes!" The annual contest educates children about the importance of planting and caring for trees. View Nevada's 2005 winning poster at www.arborday.org/programs/postercontest.html

"Through this contest, students have the opportunity to learn about the environmental benefits of trees and develop an appreciation of trees and what they provide us," said state forester Pete Anderson.

Teachers and parents of fifth-grade-level students and home schoolers can receive a free ecosystem activity guide by contacting the urban forester at the Nevada Division of Forestry office, Carson City, 684-2506. The guide includes in-depth lesson plans, hands-on activities and contest information that meet the Nevada standards for science, English, language, arts, social studies and geography.

Following in-school activities, each school selects one winner to submit to the state contest. The state's winning poster competes in the national contest. The deadline for state contest submissions is March 3.

Four Nevada finalists and their teachers will receive cash awards and tree-themed materials. The awards are sponsored by the Nevada Division of Forestry and the Nevada Shade Tree Council with financial support from the USDA Forest Service.

The national winner will be announced on National Arbor Day, April 28. 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, where they will stay at Lied Lodge and Conference Center during National Awards Weekend. In addition, the national winner also will receive a $1,000 savings bond and lifetime membership in The National Arbor Day Foundation. The National winner's teacher will receive $200 for classroom materials.