2023 Theme: Trees are Terrific…In All Shapes and Sizes!

This year’s theme highlights the importance of tree diversity in our community forests, which attracts a variety of wildlife and is more visually stimulating.

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

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

Lilly Bartlett, a fifth-grader from Allen Frear Elementary School in Camden, is the 2022 Overall State Winner.

2022’s theme was “Trees Are Terrific…for Today and Tomorrow!”

This year, Arbor Day will be observed in Delaware on Friday, April 28, 2023.

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.

Register to Participate and Receive Seedlings:

2023arbordaypostercontest.eventbrite.com

For questions and more information, contact:

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

2023 Arbor Day Poster Contest Winners

Check back later on our 2023 winners!