Wildlife poster contest highlights importance of habitat

Teachers and students across the state are invited to celebrate wildlife through art by participating in the 34 th annual Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest.

The goal of this competition for grades K-5 is to generate knowledge of and appreciation for Georgia’s biological diversity. 

The popular initiative is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and The Environmental Resources Network, or TERN, friends group of DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section.

The 2023-2024 theme – What’s That? Habitat! – highlights the natural resources that make up a plant or animal’s home. 

A habitat is where animals can find everything needed for survival such as food, water, shelter and space. 

Habitats filled with native plants (either in the wilderness or in your backyard) attract more wildlife because they offer nutritious foods that insects and animals like and are used to eating.

As inspiration for their artwork, students can observe birds and other wildlife in their backyard or schoolyard to see how they interact with their environment. 

After creating artwork based on this year’s theme and according to contest rules, participants will enter their drawings and paintings at the local school level. 

Top school-level entries then proceed to the state contest at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens. 

First, second, and third-place winners will be chosen for four divisions: kindergarten, first and second grade, third and fourth grade, and fifth grade. 

The deadline for schools to submit digital photos of state-level entries is March 8, 2024.

The top 12 state-level winners’ artwork will be showcased on DNR Wildlife Resources Division and State Botanical Garden social media sites. 

Also, each state-level winner’s teacher and one parent will be eligible to receive a free DNR wildlife license plate, courtesy of TERN. 

For teacher tips to involve students in the contest, along with contest rules, awards, entry forms and other information, visit georgiawildlife.com/PosterContest.