LINCOLN, Nebraska – Trees 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 “May the Forest Be with You, Always” Conservation Poster Contest. Students winning in the state competition include:

• K-1: Charlotte Rardon, Norfolk, Nebraska (Lower Elkhorn NRD)
• 2-3: Elise Ekberg, Norfolk, Nebraska (Lower Elkhorn NRD)
• 4-6: Connor Pojar, Scribner, Nebraska (Lower Elkhorn NRD)
• 7-9: Kiersten Hans, Wynot, Nebraska (Lewis & Clark NRD)
• 10-12: Rylyn Moody, Purdum, Nebraska (Upper Loup 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 2025 poster theme will be “Home is Where the Habitat Is.” For more information on the poster contest, visit the NARD website or contact Megan Grimes at mgrimes [at] nrdnet.org.

K-1 Category: Charlotte Rardon (Lower Elkhorn NRD)

2-3 Category: Elise Ekberg (Lower Elkhorn NRD)

4-6 Category: Connor Pojar (Lower Elkhorn NRD)

7-9 Category: Kiersten Hans (Lewis & Clark NRD)

10-12 Category: Rylyn Moody (Upper Loup NRD)