INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is calling on all fifth-grade artists to pick up their brushes and markers for the return of the Arbor Day Poster Contest for the 2025-2026 school year.
This year, the stakes are higher than ever: for the first time, the top three statewide winners will each receive an Indiana 529 scholarship, providing a head start on their future education. In addition to the scholarship, the first-place winner will secure a native tree planting on their school grounds.
2026 Theme: “Trees and Pollinators Make Perfect Partners!”
This year’s contest focuses on the critical relationship between Indiana’s canopy and the insects and animals that keep the ecosystem thriving. Students are encouraged to explore how trees act as “nature’s service stations” for pollinators.
The DNR’s Division of Forestry is providing a suite of resources to help teachers integrate the contest into their science and art curricula. These include:
- Standard Alignments: Lesson plans designed to meet Indiana’s 5th-grade academic standards in life sciences and environment.
- Project Learning Tree: Access to award-winning environmental education activities.
- Submission Guidelines: Full rules and digitizing instructions are available at on.IN.gov/arbor-day-poster.
The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2026. All Indiana 5th-grade students, including public, private and home schools can participate.
If you have question contact Racheal Stenger at 317-234-6741 or email rstenger@dnr.IN.gov.
