The Indiana DNR Division of Forestry’s 5th Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest is returning for the 2025-26 school year, with an exciting change. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will receive an Indiana529 account deposit award. The 1st place winner will also receive a tree planting at their school, as in previous years.
All 5th grade students and teachers across the state are invited to submit original artwork for this year's contest. The theme for the 2025-2026 school year is Trees and Pollinators Make Perfect Partners!
Students participating in this year’s contest can learn about how trees interact with pollinators, including:
• How tree species have distinct flowers designed to attract specific pollinators, including bees, moths, butterflies, hummingbirds, bats, flies, gnats, and more
• How trees support pollinators throughout the seasons by providing habitat and food in the winter months and nectar in flowers throughout the growing season
• How orchards can support wild bee populations
• And more!
Participating teachers are encouraged to engage with the contest theme in their classrooms to help inspire their students’ artwork. Teaching resources and standard alignments are provided on the contest webpage, along with full submission instructions and contest rules.
Submissions are due April 1, 2026.
Please call 317-234-6741 or email rstenger@dnr.IN.gov with any questions.