Poster contest encourages youth to be land stewards

The West Valley Garden Club is sponsoring the Smokey Bear Poster Contest 2006 open to students in grades one to five. Posters must feature Woodsy Owl or Smokey Bear.

Woodsy Owl has been an icon for environmental education since 1971, symbolizing natural resource conservation. He challenges children to “Lend a Hand—Care for the Land,” by taking an active role through recycling, reusing and reducing waste; planting and caring for trees; using resources wisely; not littering; and generally caring for the planet they live on.

The original Smokey Bear appeared in 1941. His message, “Remember Only You Can Prevent Wildfires,” encourages personal responsibility for fire prevention, and he teaches both children and adults to be careful with campfires, barbecues, trash fires, cigarettes and matches.

This year’s contest theme, “Help Us Stop the Invaders,” is dedicated to helping prevent the spread of invasive species in the nation’s forests.

Either Woodsy Owl or Smokey Bear must be featured on the poster as the central figure. Media that may be used includes crayons, markers, poster paints and watercolors. The poster size is limited to 11 by 17 inches.

The deadline to submit entries is Sat., Jan. 7 to West Valley Garden Club, c/o Pat Tjosaas, 24049 Sylvan St., Woodland Hills. For more information, call Tjosaas at (818) 346-1836 or e-mail patjosaas@aol.com.