Healthy forests equal healthy communities.

Warren County Conservation District is holding an art contest for students in grades kindergarten through 12. District officials are looking for works that help explain the connection between healthy forests and healthy communities.

“It is scientifically proven that time spent in nature can benefit your mental, physical, and emotional health,” according to Watershed Specialist Jean Gomory. “How do healthy forests contribute to a healthy community? The Warren County Conservation District is looking for visual representations of this concept from students in grades K-12.”

Only original works will be accepted – tracings are not acceptable.

Acceptable media include pencil, crayon, colored pencil, marker, charcoal, or pen, on card stock no greater than 8.5 by 11.

The theme – Healthy Forests = Healthy Communities – must be included on the work.

Judging will be based on the following criteria: Conservation Message – 50 percent, Visual Effectiveness – 30 percent, Originality – 10 percent, and Universal Appeal – 10 percent.

Entries will be grouped and evaluated by grade – K through 2, 3 through 5, 6 through 8, and 9 through 12.

Artwork will be accepted at the Warren County Conservation District – 4000 Conewango Ave in Warren – until 4 p.m. March 19. The artwork will be judged on April 5 after the close of business. Prizes provided by the Warren County Visitor’s Bureau will be awarded for first, second, and third place in each age group. Winning entrants will be notified of the results on April 7.

Entries must include the artist’s name, address, phone number, and grade.

“In addition to the formal judging there will be one People’s Choice ribbon awarded in each age group,” Gomory said. “Members of the public are welcomed to stop by the Warren County Conservation District building from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (after the submission deadline) to vote for their favorite piece of artwork. Please wear a mask upon entrance to the building.”

“Gather your paint, line up your pencils, collect your brushes and other art utensils, and create a work of art to share with your community,” Gomory said. “We can’t wait to see everyone’s creations.”