Trees for Tomorrow: The Role of Trees in Preserving Our Environment

To raise awareness on the impact of trees in our communities, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Michele Johnson announced the return of the Town’s Environmental Poster Contest, open to all 4^th grade students in the Town of Oyster Bay. This year’s poster contest, Our Town Our Environment, invites youngsters to create a poster showcasing the importance of trees in preserving our environment, with a theme of ‘Trees for Tomorrow.’

“This poster contest presents a great opportunity to bring environmental awareness to our young people, making them more knowledgeable on the importance of protecting Mother Nature and safeguarding our natural resources,” said Supervisor Saladino.

Students should submit a poster to communicate awareness of the essential role of trees in our lives and may consider these key facts in their design:

• Oxygen Production: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, ensuring clean air. Did you know? 100 trees remove 53 tons of carbon dioxide and 430 pounds of other air pollutants per year.
• Air and Water Purification: Trees cleanse the air and water, promoting a healthier environment.
• Shade and Cooling: Trees provide shade, cooling our neighborhoods naturally.
• Wildlife Habitat: Trees offer food and homes for various wildlife, contributing to biodiversity.
• Health Benefits: Trees encourage outdoor activities, promoting physical well-being.

Submissions should be made on poster paper (no larger than 12”x18”). No edible items should be used on the poster. The top three winning posters to be displayed at a Town facility and showcased in a future Town of Oyster Bay Environmental Newsletter.

“This contest is being co-sponsored by Friends of the Bay and The Waterfront Center, two organizations we proudly partner with throughout the year to help our efforts in protecting and preserving the environment,” said Councilwoman Johnson. “I hope all fourth-grade students join us in this year’s program and take advantage of the great opportunity to become more knowledgeable on the importance of protecting our environment.”

Prizes will be awarded for the top three submissions, with 1^st Place receiving a private tour of Oyster Bay Harbor aboard a Friends of the Bay vessel, a $200 gift certificate for the Waterfront Center in Oyster Bay, a tree planted at the winning student’s school for Arbor Day, a nautical trivia game and Friends of the Bay apparel. Second and third place winners will also receive a gift certificate to The Waterfront Center and have a tree planted in their school district. Submission deadline for the contest is Friday, March 29^th, with winners to be announced on Earth Day, April 22^nd.

Along with their poster submission, students must include an entry form ATTACHED HERE. Mail or email posters to the Town’s Department of Environmental Resources, Attn: Poster Contest, 29 Spring Street, Oyster Bay NY, 11771. Entries can also be emailed to environmental@oysterbay-ny.gov with the subject line ‘2024 Poster Contest.’