Delaware Department of
Agriculture

Arbor Day Poster Contest

2022 Theme: Trees Are Terrific…for Today and Tomorrow!

This year’s theme highlights the long-lasting impact of planting a tree and the benefits it continues to provide to our community.

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

2022 marks the 150th anniversary of the first Arbor Day, the holiday that celebrates trees!

This year, Arbor Day will be celebrated at Rehoboth Elementary School on May 6.

Lilly Bartlett, a fifth-grader from Allen Frear Elementary School in Camden, is the Overall State Winner.

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. Trees planted today will also be terrific “tomorrow” as they improve air quality, muffle noise, moderate air temperatures, filter run-off into streams and rivers, and reduce energy consumption.

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. 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 Governor Carney! A tree planting ceremony will also be scheduled at each winner’s school to celebrate Arbor Day.

For questions and more information, contact:

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