≡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.​
2021 Conservation Poster Contest Theme

"Healthy Forests = Healthy Communities"

​Trees are a big part of the resources we use every day. Trees and plants give us clean air and water. Trees and their roots help keep soil where it belongs. Trees give us wood to build our homes. We depend upon trees every day. Forests are one of the most vital ecosystems to human life. They are alive and working 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We aren’t the only ones that need trees. Animals need trees too. Arboreal animals are animals that spend most of their time in trees, such as squirrels, bats, birds, monkeys, snakes and frogs. Native wildlife is becoming decimated by lack of food, plant species are disappearing and local industry has been impacted due to declining tree populations. Providing accurate information is essential. Find out what trees grow in your area, and see what your community is doing to help them. You will find a variety of opinions from a variety of sources about how to best care for our trees.
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 may also be 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 Poster Contest Finalists

2020 Poster Contest Theme
"Where Would We BEE Without Pollinators?"
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...

  • Trees need help to grow some of the fruits we eat like sweet cherries and apples. The trees need help from pollinators like bees. The bees carry pollen from part of the bloom to another part so fruit can grow.
  • Some soap is made from tree sap.
  • Trees help cool the earth by providing shade. It is 10 to 15 degrees cooler in the shade than in the sun.
  • Forests help make it rain. Trees soak up water from the soil, heat from the sun makes the leaves lose the water and it ends up in the atmosphere.
  • Tree parts have been used to make medicine for thousands of years.
  • Trees are a renewable resource. When trees are harvested for use, the trees can be replaced by planting new trees.
  • It is important to plant native trees. They are adapted to your soil as well as good for native wildlife food and shelter.

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.
2021 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.
2021 Web Resources

Contest Sponsors

The NJ Department of Agriculture, the NJ Association of Conservation Districts and your local Soil Conservation District

Recent Conservation Poster Contests

2021: "Healthy Forests = Healthy Communities"
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?"
​NJ Soil Conservation Districts (SCD) are special purpose subdivisions of the State. In cooperation with the State Soil Conservation Committee, they are empowered to conserve and manage soil and water resources and address stormwater, soil erosion and sedimentation problems that result from land disturbance activities. There are 14 Soil Conservation Districts in New Jersey. Click here for a list of NJ Soil Conservation Districts...

​In response to growing public concern for water quality, NJ Conservation Districts have become the primary local governmental agencies responsible for monitoring nonpoint sources of pollution associated with agriculture, construction and mining. The technical services of the USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service and other resource agencies are made available through the Districts.