Winners Named in Color Maryland Green Contest

Record Number of Students Submit Original Art Inspired by Nature

In celebration of Earth Day, the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of the Environment today announced the winners of their annual Color Maryland Green contest. A record 300 students, grades K-12, submitted original artwork, film and poetry inspired by their appreciation for the Maryland’s great outdoors.

“Through Color Maryland Green, we hope to encourage students to take advantage of our state’s abundant recreational opportunities and rich natural world,” Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “From a painting of vibrant butterflies to a photo of starry night skies, I was amazed at the thought and creativity that went into each piece, and each artist’s unique ability to capture the diverse beauty of Maryland. Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you for sharing your talents with us.”

Communications and conservation education staff chose 13 submissions ─ one entry from each age group in the categories drawing/painting, digital illustration and poetry categories, as well as one overall photograph and one overall video.

All of the winners will receive Maryland State Park Passports, which for the entire year provides unlimited day-use entry for everyone in a car and unlimited boat launching at state park facilities. Click here to view the winning submissions and honorable mentions.

This contest supports the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature, established to ensure all young people in our state have the opportunity to connect with their natural world and grow to become informed and responsible stewards.

2016 Winners by Grade

Drawing/Painting

K-3: David He of Potomac

4-6: Andy Wang of Potomac

7-9: Cynthia Zou of Rockville

10-12: Laura Dennison of Easton

Digital Illustration

K-3: Tyler Wu of Ellicott City

4-6: Hope Dudley of Baltimore

7-9: Tristin Charron of Baltimore

10-12: Marisa D’Imperio of Arnold

Poetry

K-3: Asa Graham of Baltimore

4-6: Mercy Rao of Columbia

7-9: Brianna High of La Plata

10-12: no entries

Photography

Overall: Lindsay Birckhead-Morton of Snow Hill

Video

Overall: Joel Ognissanti of Baltimore