2026 Theme: Trees are Terrific… for People and Places!

Poster Submission Deadline: March 20, 2026

Trees play an essential role in creating healthier, happier communities by providing a wide range of benefits for both people and the environment. They supply fresh oxygen to breathe, nutritious fruits to eat, and wood for countless everyday products. Beyond these practical resources, trees also nurture our well-being—reducing stress, improving mood, and creating peaceful spaces where families and neighbors can gather and connect.

The poster contest is open to all K-5 public, private, homeschool, after-school, and other organized youth groups. Posters will be judged on originality, use of theme, neatness, and artistic expression. Each winner receives a gift card, a tree-themed book, and a tree planting at their school. Twelve winners will be selected – one from each county – in four grade categories: kindergarten, grades 1 and 2, grades 3 and 4, and grade 5. All participating classes receive free loblolly pine seedlings delivered to their school, just in time to celebrate Arbor Day!

The 12 winners are invited to the annual Statewide Arbor Day Celebration hosted by the Governor! A tree-planting ceremony will also be scheduled at each winner’s school to celebrate Arbor Day.

Since 1872, Arbor Day has been observed as a special day to plant trees and celebrate their many benefits!

This year, Arbor Day will be observed in Delaware on Friday, May 1, 2026.

The Delaware Forest Service’s Arbor Day Poster Contest helps increase knowledge about trees and forest resources and is a great way for students to learn more about the role of trees in our communities and their direct impact on Delawareans’ health and well-being. This year’s theme highlights the long-lasting impact of planting a tree and the benefits it continues to provide to our community.

Planting a tree is a fun activity we can enjoy today, knowing that the tree will continue to improve our lives over time. Trees planted throughout our communities not only provide beauty but help shade our streets and schoolyards and create habitat and food for wildlife. Awareness of the difference between tree species helps in selecting the proper tree to plant in a given location based on site conditions, temperature and soil.

The poster contest was open to all K-5 public, private, homeschool, after-school, and other organized youth groups.  Posters are judged on originality, use of theme, neatness, and artistic expression. Each winner receives a gift card, a tree-themed book, and a tree planting at their school.  Twelve winners are selected – one from each county – in four grade categories: kindergarten, grades 1 and 2, grades 3 and 4, and grade 5.

The 12 winners are invited to the annual Statewide Arbor Day Celebration!

For questions and more information, contact:

Ashley Melvin, Trainer-Educator  ashley.melvin@delaware.gov