Young Artists Encouraged to “Color Maryland Green”

Calling all young poets, photographers, artists and producers: Students in grades K-12 are invited to submit original creations inspired by our outdoors to the 2015 Color Maryland Green contest. The contest is sponsored by the Maryland Departments of Natural Resources and the Environment.

“This contest allows us to catch a glimpse into children’s sense of wonder and excitement for nature,” says DNR Acting Secretary Frank Dawson. “Their fresh perspective on the views that many of us have seen for decades is inspiring. Color Maryland Green provides students with the chance to share their enthusiasm for the outdoors, while fostering a foundation for sustainable living down the road.”

The annual contest encourages children to take advantage of the abundant recreational opportunities and natural resources that Maryland has to offer. The artwork must be original and should showcase the beauty and wonder of our natural world. Entries can be any work of art or film ─ such as photographs, oil paintings, pencil and charcoal sketches, computer design, crayon and marker drawings, poetry and video.

Agency staff and Maryland teachers will choose one winner from each age group in the Poetry, Art, Photography categories, and one overall Video. For more information about the Color Maryland Green contest and how to enter, visit dnr.state.md.us/education/cmg_about.asp.

Submissions must be postmarked by the close of business Friday, March 13.

All of the winners will receive 2015 Maryland State Park Passports, which, for the entire year, provide unlimited day-use entry for everyone in a car, unlimited boat launching at all State Park facilities, and more. The top entries will be honored at an awards ceremony in Annapolis in April.