“May the Forest Be with You Always”.

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) hosts an annual poster contest that focuses on a different conservation topic each year. The Sherman County SWCD invites homeschoolers in grades K-12 to submit an original poster to our office by October 3rd. (students enrolled at Sherman County School District will be creating their posters in class) We have prizes for the winners in each of the following categories:

K-1
2-3
4-6
7-9
10-12

The winning posters of our local contest will be submitted to the State contest for judging. The State winners will receive a prize and will be sent to the national contest, which will take place at the NACD annual meeting in February 2025. The national contest awards cash prizes to the top three posters in each category; First-place $200.00,  Second-place $150.00,  Third-place $100.00.

Entry Instructions for the Sherman County SWCD local contest:

Entry must be contestant's original creation and may not be traced from photographs or other artists' published works. Any media may be used to create a flat poster: paint, crayons, colored pencil, charcoal, stickers, paper, other. Use size 8 ½ by 11 size paper, postioned horizontally, and drop posters off at our office: USDA Service Center, 2004 First Street, Moro.

IMPORTANT: Poster must include the words: “May the Forest be with You Always” somewhere on it.

IMPORTANT: Names cannot be on front of poster, attach entry form to back with paper clip. Entry forms can also be picked up at the SWCD office. For more information, please call: 541-565-3216, ext. 101 or email: shermancountywc@gmail.com

What makes a good poster?

•      Attracts attention

•      Is simple and concise

•      Uses colors and white space effectively

•      Text is large enough to be easily read

Brainstorming Poster Ideas

·         Brainstorm ideas and make a list

·         Use the theme as your title: May the Forest be with You Always

·         Look around your community for ideas.

·         Talk to professionals in the industry.

·         Research forests online and use the information found in your poster.

Do:

·         Do limit text, and balance a combination of illustrations and words.

·         Do be as neat as you can and be sure to erase any penciled sketches or guidelines.

·         Do blend colors when using crayons or colored pencils.

·         Do research the theme topic as a way to brainstorm poster ideas.

Don’t:

·         Don’t use staples, tacks, or tape.

·         Don’t use fluorescent-colored posters.

·         Don’t create a poster that is all words or all illustrations.

·         Don’t have your parent or others draw your poster for you to color in.

·         Don’t try to include too many ideas. A single message – clearly illustrated – is most effective.

Judging Criteria:

·         Conservation message - 50 percent

·         Visual effectiveness - 30 percent

·         Originality - 10 percent and

·         Universal appeal - 10 percent