California ReLeaf announced the release of a statewide Arbor Week poster contest for students in 3rd-5th grades. Students are asked to create original artwork based on the theme “Trees Are Worth It”. Submissions are due to California ReLeaf by February 1, 2011.
In addition to the poster contest rules, educators can download a packet that includes three lesson plans that focus on the value of trees, community benefits of trees, and jobs in the urban and community forestry field. The full packet including lesson plans and poster contest rules can be downloaded on California ReLeaf’s website. The contest is sponsored by California ReLeaf, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), and the California Community Forests Foundation.
Arbor Day, celebrated nationally on the last Friday in April, began in 1872. Since then, people have embraced the day by creating celebrations within their own states. In California, instead of celebrating trees for just a day, they are celebrated for an entire week. In 2011, Arbor Week will be celebrated March 7-14. California ReLeaf, through a partnership with CAL FIRE, is developing a program to bring cities, nonprofit organizations, schools and citizens together to celebrate. The full program will be available in early 2011.