We're sad to announce that Texas A&M Forest Service no longer sponsors the Texas Arbor Day Poster Contest, which was designed to build awareness and appreciation for trees and Arbor Day in fourth and fifth grade students across the state.

Working together with the national Arbor Day Foundation, Texas A&M Forest Service first launched the contest in 2000. The two organizations continued to sponsor the annual competition until 2010, when the Arbor Day Foundation withdrew, citing dwindling participation. After much thought and a continued decrease in participation, Texas A&M Forest Service also has decided not to continue with the contest.  

You can view past Poster Contest Winners here.

We send out a hearty thanks to all of our teachers and partners who have supported the contest over the past 12 years. We hope that you'll use the curriculum guides posted below as you continue to create in your students an awareness and appreciation for trees and Arbor Day.

Curriculum Guides:
Trees are Terrific...Inside and Out!
Trees are Terrific...and Forests are, too!
Trees are Terrific...in Cities and Towns!
Trees are Terrific...and Energy-wise!
Trees are Terrific...in all Shapes and Sizes!
Trees are Terrific...from Acorn to Oak!  

How will you celebrate Arbor Day?

There are many different ways educators can help students learn about and celebrate Arbor Day. Here are a few suggestions:

• Take your class on a tree identification hike around campus or in your community.
• Plant trees on the school campus. (Be sure to have a plan to water them through the summer months.)
• Do a web search on the benefits of trees and prepare a list with pictures.
• Have a contest for students to find the oldest trees in the community, and research the history of them.
• Have an essay contest where students describe the importance of trees to their community.
• Dedicate library time for students to read books about trees and forests.

For more ideas and the history of Arbor Day, visit the Urban Forestry section of the Texas A&M Forest Service. 

For more classroom ideas, visit the Arbor Day Foundation website.