Students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades are invited to get creative and learn about the natural environment in North Carolina through the Conservation Poster Contest. This annual statewide educational competition has seen many Wake County students win big at the regional and state levels! The contest is administered by the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District and sponsored by Novonesis, a global biotechnology company based in North Carolina.
Requirements
Create an informative and colorful poster that answers these questions:
1. Why are healthy soil and water important and how do they affect you?
2. What are the main problems affecting soil and water health?
3. How can we protect soil and water for now and our future?
- Posters must be the original work of individual students (no group posters, please).
- Poster size: 22" x 28" only
- Each poster must have a filled-out name card on the back (see page 9 of the contest handbook). If the student's name is missing or located on the front of the poster, they will be disqualified.
- Most importantly, have fun artistically displaying your conservation knowledge and earn prize money for winning!
Judging
Posters are judged based on 50% scientific content and 50% artistic originality by experts who appreciate children’s artwork. All judges will use a rubric that is used at the regional and state level contests.
Wake District staff will select the best 10 posters in each grade level to be judged by a panel of judges with a variety of backgrounds including watershed management, visual arts and design. This panel of judges will select the top 5 posters in each grade level for the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors to make the final selection of the 1st and 2nd place posters in each grade level.
Awards and Prizes
Teachers may submit ONE poster per class in grades 3-5.
Each entry will receive a ribbon. The top 10 posters in each grade level will receive a certificate. 1st and 2nd place winners receive cash prizes; $75 for 1st place and $50 for second place! The first-place 3rd, 4th and 5th-grade posters advance to the regional competition, which may lead to the state competition. Winning first place at all three levels would earn a student $375 in cash prizes!
Contest Handbook
For detailed information about the contest rules, learning resources, tips, and more, please explore the contest handbook below. This is your one-stop-shop for information about this year's poster contest!
Poster Contest Handbook 2026-2027
As a supplement to the online study resources included in the handbook, please download this printable study guide document:
Registration and Deadlines
To register, teachers of grades 3–5 can fill out the registration form linked below by Friday, October 9, 2026.
Posters must be selected by teachers (one poster per class) and be ready for pickup in the school's front office by Friday, October 23, 2026. To arrange the pickup, please email Leah Purvis at leah.purvis@wake.gov by October 16.
For more information, please email Environmental Educator Leah A Purvis at leah.purvis@wake.gov or call 919-250-1065.
Flyer available for sharing: Poster Contest Flyer