Nearly 900 fifth grade students from across Portage County participated in the 2013 Conservation Poster Contest sponsored by the Portage Soil & Water Conservation District (PSWCD). Six winners were chosen from eight schools for the annual poster contest, which was sponsored by PSWCD and the Garden Clubs of Portage County to commemorate National Soil & Water Stewardship Week.
The theme for this year’s contest was “Where Does Your Watershed?” Students participating in the contest were challenged to create posters that not only illustrated a “watershed”, but that also depicted the impact of human activities that either pollute or help protect our watersheds. This annual contest gives teachers an opportunity to introduce or reinforce environmental concepts to their students.
First prize this year was awarded to Taylor Olson-Lewis from Crestwood Intermediate School. Madison Braybon from Willyard Elementary in Ravenna took second place, while third place went to Darah Fall from Katherine Thomas Elementary in Windham. Madelyn Fisher earned the fourth place spot from Walls Elementary in Kent, and fifth place went to Madison Brawley from Tappan Elementary in Ravenna. In addition, an honorable mention was given to Elle Frato-Sweeney from Garfield Intermediate in Garrettsville.
Local Garden Clubs, including the Annevar Garden Club from Rootstown work very hard to facilitate the contest at each participating school. Countywide winners receive award certificates and prizes from the Soil & Water Conservation District. For more information on this program, contact Lynn Vogel, PSWCD Storm Water Educator, at (330) 297-7633 x111.
