For the 15th consecutive year, Denver Forestry is cooperating with local elementary schools participating in an Arbor Day Poster Contest. Denver entries will be entered in the statewide contest sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota. To download the complete 2009 Activities Guide, click here.

The Arbor Day National Poster Contest theme for 2009 is "Trees are Terrific...in Cities and Towns!" Fifth grade students in the Denver area are encouraged to participate in this annual event by creating a poster that reflects the student's understanding of how trees grow, function, and benefit the environment. Prizes will be awarded to individual school winners and a state winner will be chosen to represent Colorado in the national poster contest. The national winner will be awarded a $1000 savings bond and the national winner’s teacher will receive a $200 check. The deadline to submit entries is February 27, 2009. Click here to see past Denver and National winning posters.

Contest Rules

A minimum of one class period is recommended to complete the poster and the objective is to create a poster that conveys the important parts of a tree and the functions they serve to help the tree live and grow.  Please read and follow the contest rules listed below. 

• Posters must be the original work of students currently in the fifth grade.
• Entries must be no smaller than 11 x 14” and no larger than 14 x 18”. The student’s first and last name must be written or signed in the lower right-hand corner on the front of the poster.
• The poster must be related to the contest theme. Trees are Terrific…inside and out! must be predominant, legible and all words in the theme must be spelled correctly.
• Color your poster with marker, crayon, watercolor, ink, colored pencil, or tempera paint. Collages and computer or photo-generated art are not acceptable. 
• Entries must be done on paper that will allow for duplication, display, and framing. Write your name, the name of your school, and teacher’s name on the back of the poster.
• Submit all completed entries from your school. School winners will be determined by the Denver Forestry Division.
• Only posters that meet the above guidelines will be eligible.
• Use your imagination and have fun!