Poster Contest

Each year, Butler SWCD works with local young artists to create posters focusing on a conservation message. This year's theme is

“Soil Where it all begins"

We will pick local winners to represent each grade band to the State Competition. The State will pick winners and send to the National Competition. Butler County has had several state winners in the past.

Designing a poster and researching the theme can give you a voice in your community on important conservation issues. Good posters tell important stories to present and future generations. Posters capture people’s attention with a powerful graphic and inspire with a message for your community

Entry Form

All posters must have the official National entry form securely attached to be included in the contest. Please see the pdf below for the form.

NACD Poster Contest Rules 2026.pdf

2026-Entry-Form.pdf

Contest Rules

Any media may be used – paint, crayon, colored pencil, charcoal, stickers, paper or other materials on regular posters.
All posters must be created by an individual student rather than a team of students.
Poster size must be NO LARGER THAN 11” x 17”, as we must scan in all winning entries to send forward in the competition.
Posters should be packaged so they remain flat when sent for judging.
The title “May the forest be with you always” must be on your poster!
Each entry must have signed entry form to be eligible for judging.
Although younger students will most likely receive help in planning from parent or teachers, NACD encourages each student to do as much of the work as possible by him/herself. Entries completed by students in their own writing and coloring will score better than those designed, drawn, and colored by adult assistance.

Resource List

The 2026 NACD Stewardship Week theme, Soil. Where It All Begins, celebrates the incredible power of soil to support life in all its forms. Soil is not just the ground we walk on. It is the starting point for healthy food, clean water, thriving habitats, and resilient communities. From backyard gardens to forests and city parks, everything begins with what is beneath our feet.

Soil does a lot more than grow plants. It holds water, cycles nutrients, and provides homes for billions of living organisms that help keep nature in balance. It keeps roots in place, helps prevent flooding, and supports wildlife and people alike. The trees in our neighborhoods, the food on our tables, and the natural places we love all depend on healthy soils.

More info will be added here shortly from the National Association of Conservation Districts.

Who Can Participate?

The poster contest is open to all public, private, and home-schooled students in grades K-12.

Age Categories:

K—1st Grade

2nd—3rd Grade

4th—6th Grade

7th—9th Grade

10th—12th Grade

Judging Guidelines

Conservation message(Poster uses correct theme) (50 percent)
Visual effectiveness (30 percent)
Originality (10 percent) and
Universal appeal (10 percent)

Deadline

Entries must be received by Butler SWCD by June 1, 2026 by 4 pm.
Posters sent straight to the state or national contest will NOT be judged. They must be judged in the county contest on order to advance.