LINCOLN, Nebraska – Bees, bats and hummingbirds 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 “Where would we BEE without pollinators?” Conservation Poster Contest. Students winning in the state competition recieve a $25 gift card and include:

• K-1: Carson Gerths, West Point, Nebraska (Lower Elkhorn NRD)
• 2-3: Colton Heimes, Hartington, Nebraska (Lewis & Clark NRD)
• 4-6: Connor Butler, Crawford, Nebraska (Upper Niobrara White NRD)
• 7-9: Emerson Ortmeier, West Point, Nebraska (Lower Elkhorn NRD)
• 10-12: Claire Steskal, Norfolk, Nebraska (Lower Elkhorn NRD)

Each NRD selects a winner from their district contest to compete in the state competition. The state winners will go on to compete in the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) poster contest. 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 2021 poster theme is “Healthy Forests = Healthy Communities.” For more information on the poster contest, visit the NARD website or contact Megan Grimes at mgrimes [at] nrdnet.org.