2013 National Arbor Day Poetry Contest

Sponsored byBerkshire Conservation District

CLICK HERE FOR THE ENTRY FORM

About the Contest

In celebration of National Arbor Day on April 26, 2013, Berkshire Conservation District is hosting a poetry contest in Berkshire County for children in grades 4 through 12. The poem theme is “In Praise of Trees” and should be at least 12 lines long but no longer than 1 page typed or hand written. The style and topic of the poem is completely up to the student’s choosing but we encourage students to write from their own experience in nature, keeping in mind the set theme.
Contest entries will be due on Arbor Day and winners will be awarded with live tree seedlings to plant either in their schools or homes and three Pocket Nature Guides of their choosing. The purpose of this contest is to engage youth in creatively thinking and learning about trees and nature in celebration of National Arbor Day as well as to promote the planting and care of trees in their community.

Contest Rules

The poem theme is In Praise of Trees. Entriesshould be at least 10 lines long but no longer than 1 page typed or hand written. The style and topic of the poem is completely up to the student’s choosing but we encourage students to write from their own experience in nature keeping in mind the chosen theme. Students in grades 4 through 12 may enter. All poems must have a title and include the word “tree” somewhere in the poem. Poems must be the original creation of the student. Students with learning or other disabilities may receive help from an adult in writing and submitting their entry. Entries will be divided into two age groups: grades 4-7 and grades 9-12. Poems will be judged based on:

  1. Quality of language and writing (30%)
  2. Creativity and thought put into the work (30%)
  3. Relevance to the topic and theme of the contest and attention to contest rules (40%)

Entry Instructions

  1. Fill out a contest entry form and include it with your entry.
  2. Please write your name and your school grade on the back side of your poem.
  3. Send entries by Friday, April 26, 2013 (National Arbor Day) to:

Arbor Day Poetry Contest
C/o Berkshire Conservation District
78 Center Street, Suite 206
Pittsfield, MA 01201

Awards

The winner of each age group will win an assortment of tree seedlings for their own use or to plant at their school as well as three Pocket Nature Guides of their choosing. Awards will be available for pick up at the Seedling Fundraiser Sale Day Event on Saturday, May 4th. Winners will be notified by phone by April 30th.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ENTRY FORM

 

Kids' Stuff & Educational Links

Junior Conservation Camp

LOCATION: From Cape Cod to the Berkshires, the MJCC has utilized many of the Commonwealth's abundant natural resources. Currently, the MJCC is hosted at the Chesterfield Scout Reservation on 521 acres near Scout Pond in Chesterfield, Massachusetts.

Directions to Chesterfield Scout Reservation

This two week overnight summer camp for girls and boys 13 -17 years of age offers a program of conservation education and instruction in outdoor recreation skills. It introduces youth to the ethical concepts and knowledge essential to a lifetime of properly enjoying our natural resources and the leisure activities that depend on their careful stewardship.

For application AND more information: http://www.juniorconservationcamp.org/

Scholarships

Congratulations Berkshire Community College Student:

Michael Hitchcock is this year’s recipients of the BERKSHIRE CONSERVATION DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP

Berkshire Conservation District Environmental Science Scholarship

To assist a second year environmental science student in pursuing a college education at Berkshire Community College leading to a career in natural resources.
Recommendations for eligible recipients come from the environmental science faculty and address the candidate's demonstration of maturity, professionalism, dedication, and attitude.

Past & Present Recipients

  • 2010 Michael Hitchcock
  • 2009 Glenn Lynde
  • 2008 Gabrielle Graham
  • 2008 Mark Bushey
  • 2007 Nathan Joyner
  • 2006 Michael Gromacki
  • 2005 Brett Dalzell
  • 2004 Christin Holmes
  • 2002 Andrew Liebenow
  • 2001 Daniel Shears

UMASS Adrian Meyer Scholarship Fund
This fund is being established in memory of Adrian Meyer, former supervisor of the conservation district, for a second year forestry student from Berkshire County enrolled at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. If you would like to make a donation, click here.*

* Under Allocation 1, scroll to the bottom of the list and choose "Other". A box will appear below where you should enter "Adrian Meyer Scholarship Fund".

The Massachusetts Envirothon

The Envirothon is America's leading natural resource education program for high school students. Teams comprised of five students represent their school or organization in a statewide competition testing their knowledge of: aquatics, forestry, soils, wildlife, and current environmental issues.

The Massachusetts Envirothon stresses the interdependence of various natural resources within the environment, emphasizes hands-on, team-oriented problem solving and community involvement.There are opportunities throughout the year to receive resource materials for use in the classroom, to attend workshops geared to both teachers and students, and catch to environmental professionals in action.

Massachusetts Envirothon Mission

Cultivate a desire to learn more about our natural environment through competitive events. Develop a greater appreciation of our dependence on the natural environment. Provide students with experiences in environmental- oriented activities and problem solving
Promote a sense of personal stewardship of natural resources

Massachusetts Envirothon Goals

To increase understanding of:

  • The effect individual actions have on environmental problems, either positive or negative current environmental issues
  • Available resource materials
  • Agencies and organizations available to assist in environmental matters
  • Career opportunities in the environmental field

To Contact the Massachusetts Envirothon

Debi Hogan (Envirothon Coordinator)
210 Pleasant Street Seekonk, MA 02771-5315
Phone: 508-336-4426 Fax: 508-336-0682

 

 
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Berkshire Conservation District • Silvio O. Conte Federal Bldg.
78 Center St. Suite 206 • Pittsfield, MA 01201 • Telephone (413) 443-1776 Ext: 102

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