Sponsored by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Contest Description
Iowa is rich in tradition and abundant with wonderful natural resources. There are a lot of fun activities you, your friends, and family can experience together – camping, hiking, riding bikes, climbing trees, jumping in mud puddles, and creating snow angels. Natural resources-based activities -- such as hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, boating, target shooting, and wildlife-watching contribute $4.3 billion to Iowa’s economy and connect people with nature.
Use your artistic skills to create an image that expresses what you like to do when you “Take It Outside,” and encourages others to get outside too. Winning entries will receive prizes and grants for outdoor experiences. Winning entries will be used for upcoming promotions (e.g., banners, pull up displays, written reports, Outreach Trailer Wraps) and displayed at the DNR building during the Iowa State Fair. All entries will be posted on our website and Facebook® page and displayed at district DNR offices/hatcheries.
Theme
The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR) proudly celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, so your artwork should also show how WSFR allows all of us to “Take it outside.” WSFR funds come from special taxes on hunting and fishing equipment and related items. These funds go to state agencies like the Iowa DNR to provide/improve public lands and waters for recreation, improve habitat for fish and wildlife, and to fund research as well as hunting, fishing and conservation education programs. Iowans of all ages enjoy more outdoor recreation opportunities thanks to WSFR.
Some specific projects funded by WSFR include boat ramps, stream access, prairie restoration and other plantings for wildlife, stocking and management of fish and wildlife species, fishing jetties, archery and shooting ranges, and others. For more information about specific activities and projects funded by WSFR, visit our web site:http://www.iowadnr.gov and enter the search term, “wildlife and sport fish restoration.”
Eligibility
· Iowa K-12 public or accredited nonpublic school students.
· Each school can submit up to 3 entries per judging category.
Awards/Recognition
Each school that submits entries to the state competition will be entered in a drawing for free outdoor recreation equipment – rods and reels, life jackets, and more.
The school that submits the winning entry in each judging category will receive a grant (total of 6 grants awarded) for a natural resources-based recreation experience at a local outdoor recreation area.).
· Major focus of activities must be outdoor, natural resources based recreation
· “Local outdoor recreation area” can be a state park, lake, forest, river, etc. up to 50 miles from the school
· Funds are limited to $5 per participating student (up to 100 students) and must be used for transportation and/or programming costs
· Limit one grant per school
Each student submitting an entry will receive a Certificate of Participation.
First place entries in each judging category will receive an adventure backpack (including exploration and/or outdoor recreation supplies). Second and third place entries, as well as those judged to demonstrate best use of theme, best use of color, and to be most creative will also be recognized.
Judging Categories
Category II – Grades 3-5 (hand-drawn)
Category III – Grades 6-8 (hand-drawn)
Category IV – Grades 6-8 (computer generated)
Category V – Grades 9-12 (hand-drawn)
Category VI – Grades 9-12 (computer generated)
Entry Requirements
Fill out and submit the registration form today to register your class. Registration Deadline is February 1. Entries must be postmarked by March 1.
· All artwork must be original work.
· Acceptable media are paint, pencil, markers, ink, crayon, chalk or pastel, and computer generated art.
· Drawing must be created on an 8 ½ x 11 or 11 x 14 single sheet of white paper.
· Do not mat, mount, laminate, frame or fold artwork.
To Enter
Entries must be mailed flat or rolled in a tube – no folding, please!
Mail to the Aquatic Education Program, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 2473 160th Road, Guthrie Center, IA 50115. Please mail all entries from the same school together in one envelope (or several, if needed).
Entry Deadline
All entries must be postmarked by March 1, 2012. Late entries will not be considered.
Judging Criteria
The following criteria will be used to review and select the winning entries:
· Portrayal of theme (including but not limited to what you like to do when you “Take It Outside” and incorporating how WSFR projects and activities make it possible for you to “take it outside” in Iowa’s great natural areas.)
· Creative expression
· Originality
· Visual appeal
· Artistic merit
A panel of independent jurors will judge entries. The judging panel has not yet been chosen. Judges will be selected by of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. All decisions of the panel are final.
Winner Notification
Judging will be completed by March 15, 2012. Submitting teacher of the winning entry will be notified via email.