New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced on Nov. 13 the start of DEC’s annual Arbor Day Original Artwork poster contest.

 

Arbor Day is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees. Each year, DEC’s Urban and Community Forestry Program commemorates Arbor Day with a poster contest that invites the public to submit original photos and artwork that celebrate the immeasurable value of trees—ecologically, environmentally, aesthetically, and socially.

 

“Trees are a renewable resource that provide food, shelter, scenic beauty, and countless other benefits that enhance our quality of life,” Seggos said. “I encourage all New Yorkers to join DEC’s Arbor Day celebration by submitting art or photos that depict the beauty and importance of New York’s trees.”

 

The annual Original Artwork Arbor Day Poster Contest is sponsored by the New York State Arbor Day Committee, which includes DEC, the State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Empire State Forest Foundation, New York State Arborist Association, and International Paper Company. The winning artist’s artwork will be replicated as the 2021 New York State Original Artwork Arbor Day Poster.

 

DEC will accept photograph and artwork submissions on behalf of the committee through Dec. 31, 2020. Photos and artwork must feature trees within New York State and should be sent to arborday@dec.ny.gov. Participants will be limited to five submissions and each submission should include a completed artist information form available on DEC’s website.

 

Model consent forms are required for people in submitted photos and photos must be high resolution, at least 300 dpi at 8×10 inches. For information about the contest including artist information and model consent forms, visit DEC’s website.

 

To obtain past New York State Arbor Day posters, contact any local DEC forestry office or call 518-402-9428.

 

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball also commented on the contest, saying, “New York has more forestland than any other state in the Northeast, and Arbor Day is a great time to recognize the significant benefits that our forests provide for New Yorkers and visitors alike.” He added, “This poster contest is a fantastic way to celebrate our trees and the immeasurable contributions they make to our economy, our ecosystem, our recreation, our scenery, and our quality of life.”