DNR Youth Education

Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages roughly 5.6 million acres of forest, range, agricultural, aquatic, and commercial lands across Washington. In addition, we also protect 13 million acres of forest land from wildfire.
 
To learn more about the work that DNR does and the natural resources that make Washington so special, explore some of the activities linked below!
Art Contest Launch Event over Zoom
Wildfire Resilience & Recovery
Urban Canopy Cover & Tree Equity
Responsible Recreation
Environmental Justice

2024 Department of Natural Resources Art Contest

Theme: Environmental Justice 

The Department of Natural Resources art contest requires students to create their own representation of environmental justice in action and the work of environmental justice superheroes! Environmental Justice is the fair treatment of ALL people. Everyone deserves equal protection from environmental hazards, opportunities to make decisions for their communities, and healthy places to live, work and play. You can use paint, make a collage, or create digital art, whatever fits your style! 
 
This year’s contest has three topic areas related to the work of the Washington DNR. Kids should pick one of the following three topics for their art.
 
Wildfire Resilience & Recovery
  • Ways to protect their communities from wildfire risks 
  • Ways to prevent unintentional human caused wildfires 
  • How the community recovers after a wildfire  
  • Smoke related safety  
Urban Canopy Cover & Tree Equity
  • Benefits of urban trees 
  • Differences in tree cover by neighborhood 
Responsible Recreation
  • Ancestral Lands Movement  
  • Increase access to the outdoors for all people  
  • Low impact recreation and stewardship  

Contest Entry Details

Artists must be residents of Washington State to enter the Washington DNR Art Contest
 
 
Artists will be divided by grade into three categories: grades K-5, grades 6-8, and grades 9-12. The top art pieces for each age group will be selected by public vote and receive a prize! 
Submission
To submit your artwork, click one of the following links:
 
Artwork must be submitted by 9 p.m. on April 12th, 2024.
Voting
Public voting opens at 10 a.m. on April 15th and ends at midnight on April 26th. Winners will be contacted shortly after. 
Prizes
1st place: Your art printed on DNR outreach materials with your artwork Displayed on DNR's website!
2nd place: DNR guest speaker for your class!
 
Good luck, artists! 

Click here to view the 2024 Art Contest Rules

Click here to view the 2024 Art Contest Fliers (translated fliers available)

 
 
2023 Department of Natural Resources Art Contest Winners