The 2026 Arbor Day Poster Contest has concluded. Information, themes, and entry materials for the 2027 contest will be posted when available.
Quick Links
The Maryland Forest Service and local Forest Conservancy District Boards sponsor an annual Arbor Day Poster Contest for 5th grade students across Maryland.
Each year, thousands of students explore trees, forests, wildlife, and the environment through original artwork inspired by a statewide theme. The contest gives students a chance to connect creativity, science, and environmental stewardship while learning more about the forests and communities around them.
This year’s theme is:
“Trees Are Terrific…and Color Our World!”
The contest is open to all Maryland 5th grade classrooms, homeschool groups, and youth organizations. Entries are first judged locally by Maryland Forest Service staff and Forest Conservancy District Board members before advancing to statewide judging.
Winning teachers are notified directly in late April.
More Than a Poster Contest
For many classrooms, the Arbor Day Poster Contest becomes part of a broader conversation about forests, wildlife habitat, water quality, climate, and the role trees play in Maryland communities.
Teachers often incorporate the contest into science, art, environmental literacy, language arts, and outdoor learning activities. The goal is not simply artistic technique, but creativity, participation, and student engagement with the annual theme.
A classroom activity focused on tree diversity is available above to help students explore how trees shape their neighborhoods, school grounds, parks, and local ecosystems.
Statewide Awards
Statewide winners receive native tree plantings at their schools, helping turn student artwork into lasting improvements on school grounds.
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1st Place: 15 trees and a Smokey Bear prize pack
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2nd Place: 10 trees and a Smokey Bear prize pack
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3rd Place: 5 trees and a Smokey Bear prize pack
How to Enter
Each entry must include a completed release form attached to the back of the poster. Posters are submitted to the local Maryland Forest Service office serving your county.
County drop-off locations are available in the link above.
For questions about the contest, contact your local Maryland Forest Service office. Office locations and contact information are available on the Maryland Forest Service
Contact Us page.
