DEC announces annual Arbor Day poster contest

Dec. 31 deadline for photo and artwork submissions

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the start of DEC's annual Arbor Day poster contest. Each year, DEC's urban and community forestry program coordinates the contest to promote what it calls “the immeasurable value of trees in the environment and New Yorkers' lives.” The winner of the contest will have their photo or artwork reproduced as the 2022 Arbor Day poster, to commemorate the holiday. 

“From the shade and wood products trees provide, to their role in the fight against climate change, the benefits of trees are often underappreciated," Seggos said. "I encourage all New Yorkers to join our annual celebration of trees by submitting art or photos that depict the beauty and importance of New York's trees." 

The annual Arbor Day poster contest is sponsored by the New York State Arbor Day Committee, which includes DEC, the Empire State Forestry Foundation, the New York State Arborist Association, State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and the International Paper Company. DEC will accept original photograph and artwork submissions on behalf of the committee through Dec. 31. Entries must feature trees within New York and should be sent to [email protected]. 

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The Arbor Day poster contest is a great way to honor and celebrate New York’s forested land and the incredible benefits that it provides to residents and visitors alike. 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 our daily lives.” 

Participants must include their name, address, and, if submitting a photograph, where the photo was taken. Participants are limited to three submissions. Model consent forms are required for people in submitted 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 at https://www.dec.ny.gov/about/558.html or call 518-402-9428.