Registration, Entry, and Poster Requirements

This information is available in PDF format. Educators should read this information carefully in order to understand requirements for registration, entry, and poster design.

Don’t forget to check out the 2024 Poster Contest Teacher Resource Guide, specially curated by Knox-Lincoln SWCD education staff!

Registration and Entry

• Please register your classroom or student group online for the poster contest. Educators are encouraged to register as soon as they know they are participating:

  • Register on or before Thursday, December 21, if you would like a complementary classroom visit. Visits are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from December 12 to February 2 by Knox-Lincoln SWCD Staff, who will spend 30-45 minutes introducing the poster contest theme and key ideas related to the contest to your classroom through interactive activities. Note classroom visits are limited and available on a first-come-first-serve basis..

  • Register on or before Friday, January 26, if you choose to forgo the classroom visit and introduce the contest and poster theme to your students yourself. A resource guide with lesson plans, suggested activities, books, and videos will be provided to all teachers who participate.

• Posters are due on Friday, February 16. Posters can be:

  • Picked up at your school office on February 16. If you choose this option, the posters must be in your school office by 8 am.

  • Dropped off on February 16 at the Knox-Lincoln SWCD office.

  • Sent by mail and delivered by February 16 to the Knox-Lincoln SWCD office.

• Please attach a 2024 Poster Contest Form to the back of each poster using masking tape.

• Winners of each category (K-1, 2-3, 4-6), will be announced by March 1, 2024. Category winners will automatically be entered into the State Competition. All other submissions will be returned via mail or dropped off at local schools by March 1, 2024.

Poster Criteria

• Poster size is flexible depending on what teachers have available to them. Posters must be at least 8.5”x11”. Do not use neon-colored paper.

• Any media may be used, including paint, crayon, colored pencil, charcoal, stickers, paper, or other materials.

• Posters must include the poster theme, May The Forest Be With You Always.

• Student names must only be written on the back of the poster, not the front. Please attach a 2024 Poster Contest Form to the back of each poster using masking tape.

• Entry must be the contestant's original creation. Although younger students will most likely receive help in planning from parents or teachers, NACD encourages each student to do their own work. Note: Entries with student handwriting and coloring will score better than those designed, drawn, and colored by adult assistance.

• Each poster must be created by an individual student, rather than a team of students.

• Students in grades K-6 are eligible to participate.

Poster contest registration and entry instructions can also be downloaded in PDF format.