LINCOLN, Nebraska – Leaves, branches and wildlife were artfully crafted by young Nebraskans throughout the year turning blank paper into award-winning posters.

Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) recognize students from kindergarten to 12th grade, who competed in the annual “Healthy Forests = Healthy Communities” Conservation Poster Contest. Students winning in the state competition include:

• K-1: Monroe Crogan, Howells, Nebraska (Lower Elkhorn NRD)
• 2-3: Piper Hanson, Halsey, Nebraska (Upper Loup NRD)
• 4-6: Mariana Nexticapan Hernandez, Wayne, Nebraska (Lower Elkhorn NRD)
• 7-9: Emma Canham, Norfolk, Nebraska (Lower Elkhorn NRD)
• 10-12: Myranda Hansen, Norfolk, Nebraska (Lower Elkhorn NRD)

Each NRD selects a winner from their district contest to compete in the state competition. The state winners take home a $25 prize and will go on to compete in the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) poster contest for a chance to win $200. National winners are selected at the NACD annual conference in February.

Typically, NRDs notify area teachers about the contest and allow them to introduce it in the classroom. Individual students can participate outside of the classroom by submitting their artwork to their local Natural Resources District. The 2022 poster theme is “Healthy Soil: Healthy Life.” For more information on the poster contest, visit the NARD website or contact Megan Grimes at mgrimes [at] nrdnet.org.