The annual National Conservation Poster Contest provides kindergarten through twelfth grade students an opportunity to convey their thoughts about soil, water and related natural resource issues through art.  This year's theme is "Conservation Habits = Healthy Habitats."

Each year, the poster contest starts at the district level.  Individuals and teachers with questions regarding district contests should contact Flathead Conservation District.  District winners then advance to the state level.   Finally, state winners advance to the National Contest.   National Winners are recognized each year at the NACD Annual Meeting.

2010 CONTEST THEME

The National Poster Contest theme “Conservation Habits = Healthy Habitats” is based on the 2010 NACD Stewardship theme.  Additional information can be found at www.nacdnet.org Stewardship & Education section. 

CONTEST RULES

·         Poster category by grade:  K-1; 2-3; 4-6; 7-9; 10-12.  The contest is open to public, private or home school students. 

·         Any media may be used to create a flat or two-dimensional effect (paint, crayon, colored pencil, charcoal, stickers, paper or other materials on regular posters – no computer only special category).

• Poster size must be between 8.5" x 11" and 22" x 28".
• Posters should be packaged so they remain flat when sent for judging
• All posters must be created by an individual student rather than a team of students
• The 2010 Stewardship title “Conservation Habits = Healthy Habitats” must be on your poster (don’t use an y other title)
•  Entry form must be filled out and signed by guardian or parent and appear on the back of the poster to be eligible for judging
• Although younger students will most likely receive help in planning from parents or teachers, NACD encourages each student to do as much of the work as possible by him/herself.   Entries completed by students in their handwriting and coloring will score better than those designed, drawn and colored by adult assistance.

POSTER EVALUATIONS

 The posters are evaluated on the following criteria:

• Conservation message—50 percent
• Visual effectiveness—30 percent
• Originality—10 percent and
• Universal appeal—10 percent
• Also taken into consideration is artwork completed on poster is that of participant

PRIZES
Prizes will be awarded by the NACD Auxiliary in each of the five grade divisions: first place—$100 and second place—$75. Depending on the sponsoring state association, auxiliary or agency's preference, the national awards will be presented at a national, regional, state and/or local conservation ceremony. The winning posters will be featured at the 2011 NACD Annual Meeting

SPONSORS
The program is sponsored by the National Association of Conservation Districts and the NACD Auxiliary. NACD, founded in 1946, is a nonprofit organization representing nearly 3,000 local soil and water conservation districts in the 50 states and U.S. Territories. The primary function of NACD is to promote stewardship by including proper management of our natural resources. The NACD Auxiliary assists NACD with informational and educational outreach efforts.

Posters due to Flathead Conservation District by May 1, 2010. 

QUESTIONS

Contact Patti Mason at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call the office at 752-4220.