Prizes are available for the best watershed-themed poster
СѼƵ County Soil and Water Conservation District is encouraging students to grab their markers, paints and creativity for the “We All Live in a Watershed” Conservation Poster Contest. This year’s theme invites students to create posters that explain what watersheds are, why they matter and how we can protect them.
The contest is open to all 3rd, 4th and 5th graders in СѼƵ County, whether they attend public, private, charter or home school, or participate through youth clubs.
“Watersheds affect nearly every aspect of our daily lives, from the water we drink to the health of our streams, rivers and wildlife,” said СѼƵ County Commissioner Tara Waters. “By taking part in this contest, students not only get the chance to express their creativity through art, but they also learn important science concepts and gain a better understanding of how we can all work together to protect our environment for the future.”
Key dates for the contest include a registration deadline on Nov. 3, 2025, when teachers must sign up their classes by completing the registration form, a poster submission deadline on Dec. 3, 2025, and СѼƵ District judging on Dec. 10, 2025.СѼƵ Winning posters will advance to regional and state contests in Spring 2026. Once posters are finished, teachers will select the top entry from each class and coordinate with СѼƵ Soil and Water Conservation District staff for pickup.
Prizes will be awarded at every level of the competition:
- District: Top 10 posters in each grade level receive framed certificates; 1st place winners earn $50 and 2nd place winners earn $25.
- Regional: 1st place winners receive $100.
- State: 1st place winners receive $200 and 2nd place winners receive $100.
Every student who submits a poster will receive a ribbon for participation.
Last year’s contest drew strong participation, with nine schools, 22 teachers and nearly 280 students taking part. In the 5th grade category, Asher Deepak of Green Hope Elementary won first place. Deetya Parimi of Highcroft Drive Elementary earned first place in the 4th grade category, and Ashleigh Wuchter of Adams Elementary received first place in the 3rd grade category.
For more information or to sponsor the Conservation Poster Contest, please contact Environmental Educator Leah A. Purvis at leah.purvis@wake.gov or call 919-250-1065.
