≡NJACD
The purpose of the NJ Association of Conservation Districts is to conduct educational, scientific and charitable work concerning the conservation, maintenance, improvement, development and use of land, soil, water, trees, vegetation, fish and wildlife, open space and other renewable natural resources.​
2020 Conservation Poster Contest Theme

"Where Would We BEE Without Pollinators?"

More than 80% of the world’s plants need pollinators to survive, including many that provide the food we eat. We can thank pollinators for one in three mouthfuls of food and drink – everything from coffee and chocolate to most fruits and many vegetables in our diet. Pollination is also critical for many of the animal products we consume, including dairy products, beef, pork and poultry. Pollinators face many threats, including the loss of habitat, the effects of pesticides, pests, effects of climate change, and pressures from invasive plants. When we start to think about the way we live and the foods we eat, we start to understand the importance of pollinators and why they need our protection.
The New Jersey Conservation Poster Contest is open to all students in grades 2-12 and students compete in grade categories. Local Soil Conservation District prizes are also awarded!
The annual National Conservation Poster Contest provides students in second through twelfth grade an opportunity to convey their thoughts about soil, water and related natural resource issues through art. It also highlights the educational outreach efforts of conservation districts and their state conservation associations, auxiliaries and agencies. The poster contest theme follows the annual Stewardship Theme.
The NJ Conservation Poster Contest is co-sponsored by:
  • NJ Association of Conservation Districts
  • NJ local Soil Conservation Districts
  • National Association of Conservation Districts
  • NACD Auxiliary
Each year, the poster contest starts at the district level. It is important to check with your local district to verify participation and local deadlines before creating your poster. Individuals and teachers with questions regarding district contests should contact their local Soil Conservation District (SCD). District winners advance to the state level. For questions regarding state competitions, districts should contact their state association. Finally, state winners advance to the National Contest. National winners are recognized each year at the NACD Annual Meeting.
2020 NJ Conservation Poster Contest Finalists
2020 Grand Champion
​Rachel Ou (Grades 10-12)
​​CASH PRIZES for the NJ Statewide competition are awarded by the NJ Association of Conservation Districts
1st Place: $200
2nd Place: $100
3rd Place: $50

Did You Know...

  • Native bees keep honeybees moving. Honeybees tend to linger on flowers, but if they come in contact with a native bee, especially a bee larger than themselves, they will fly to another flower.
  • Fruits and seeds derived from insect pollination are a major part of the diet of approximately 25 percent of all birds, and of mammals ranging from voles to bears to humans.
  • Most plants need pollen from a different plant of the same species for fertilization to take place.
  • Honeybees face many problems, including mites, diseases, pesticides and habitat loss.
  • In the US, beekeepers have lost ~30% of their colonies every year since 2006, with total annual losses sometimes reaching as high as 42%.
  • Due to pests and pesticides, the feral honeybee population (wild hives) has declined by 70-100%.

Who Can Participate?

The Conservation Poster Contest is open to all students in grades 2-12 in public, private, home school and youth groups.

Why Participate?

Designing a poster and researching the theme can give you a voice in your community about important conservation issues. Good posters capture people’s attention and deliver stories in a way that everyone can understand. A powerful graphic can inspire people to be concerned about conservation.

Poster Evaluations

Posters will be judged on the following criteria:
  • Relevance to Contest Theme
  • Conservation Message
  • Visual Effectiveness
  • Originality
  • Overall Appeal

Poster Contest Flyer

Download the NJ Conservation Poster Contest Flyer below for official rules and more information.
2020 NJ Conservation Poster Contest Flyer

Create an Effective Poster

The National Association of Conservation Districts (www.nacdnet.org) provides links to assist with creating posters. Click on the “Stewardship & Education” tab and find “Poster Contest” under “Contests” for an overview of the theme, and for tips on what makes a good poster and the National Visual Arts Standards.

Resources

​You can find resources at your school or public library, science books, local newspapers, nature centers and from the Stewardship & Education section on the NACD website. Get guidance from your teacher or parents to find information on the internet.
2020 Web Resources
​https://www.nacdnet.org/general-resources/conservation-district-directory/
http://www.fao.org/3/i9527en/i9527en.pdf
https://www.nacdnet.org/general-resources/stewardship-program/
https://xerces.org/2016/06/09/the-value-of-protecting-pollinators/
https://oregonforests.org/sites/default/files/2018-04/WIMF_data_Pollinators_web.pdf
https://ento.psu.edu/pollinators/resources-and-outreach/globally-pollinators-are-in-decline

Past Conservation Poster Contests

2020: "Where Would We BEE Without Pollinators?"
2019: "Life in the Soil: Dig Deeper"
2018: "Watersheds: Our Water, Our Home"
2017: "Healthy Soils Are Full of Life"
2016: "We All Need Trees"
2015: "Local Heroes: Your Hardworking Pollinators"
2014: "Dig Deeper: Mysteries in the Soil"
2013: "Where Does Your Water Shed?"