Oct. 15 -- The state Department of Environmental Conservation is accepting original picture and artwork submissions for the annual Arbor Day poster contest now through the end of the year.
Each year, DEC's Urban and Community Forestry Program coordinates the contest to promote the value of trees in the environment and New Yorkers' lives. The winner of the contest will have their photo or artwork reproduced as the 2025 Arbor Day poster to commemorate the holiday, according to a news release.
"Each year, Arbor Day reminds us to appreciate the vast benefits trees provide to ecosystems and public health, and as key tool in the fight against climate change," said DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar in a statement. "All New Yorkers are encouraged to get outdoors this fall to enjoy and highlight the beauty and importance of New York's trees with their photography and artwork."
The annual contest is sponsored by the state Arbor Day Committee, which includes DEC, the Empire State Forestry Foundation, the New York State Arborist Association, the state Department of Agriculture and Markets and Sylvamo North America.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said in a statement, "DEC's Arbor Day Poster contest is an annual opportunity to honor New York's forested land, which is so important to our health, our environment and our economy. From giving us sap to make sweet maple syrup to cleaning our air and enhancing the scenic beauty of our state, New York's trees are a fantastic natural resource that contribute so much to the daily lives of New Yorkers and visitors alike."
DEC is accepting original photograph and artwork submissions on behalf of the committee until 5 p.m. Dec. 31. Entries must feature trees in New York and be submitted through the online poster contest submission form.
Model consent forms are required for any discernable persons in photos.
For more information about the contest, visit DEC's website or email [email protected]. To obtain past Arbor Day posters, contact any local DEC forestry office or call 518-402-9428, the release stated.