New York Launched Annual Arbor Day Poster Contest

The state is inviting residents to submit original tree-themed photography and artwork for the 2027 poster.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Botany

Bold vector editorial illustration of a grand sugar maple tree, representing local nature for a state poster contest.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has opened submissions for its 2027 Arbor Day poster contest. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has opened submissions for its annual Arbor Day Poster contest. Artists and photographers of all ages can submit work depicting trees found within the state to compete for the 2027 feature.

Why it matters

The contest highlights the essential role that trees play in supporting healthy and vibrant local communities. By inviting public participation, the state aims to raise awareness about the environmental and social benefits of trees.

The contest is limited to a single entry per participant, with all submissions required to depict trees growing within New York State. The selection process relies on public voting to determine the winning imagery for the 2027 Arbor Day celebration.

The players

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

This state agency is responsible for managing natural resources and administering the annual Arbor Day Poster contest.

The details

Residents can submit their artwork and photographs through an official online form under the theme Trees for Vibrant Communities. The public will ultimately determine the winner, whose work will be featured on the state's official 2027 Arbor Day poster.

Timeline

  1. Contest submissions opened on September 19, 2026.

  2. The deadline for all entries is November 10, 2026.

  3. The winning design will be distributed for events throughout 2027.

The Big Picture

This poster contest serves as a creative extension of New York State's long-standing tradition of marking Arbor Day. It reinforces the state's commitment to public engagement in environmental conservation through localized outreach programs.

Aspiring artists and photographers have a chance to see their work displayed on official state materials for the 2027 Arbor Day celebrations. Residents should ensure their submissions clearly feature trees located within New York to remain eligible for the final public vote.

The takeaway

Engaging with local ecosystems through photography or art is a practical way to participate in state-level conservation awareness. Residents interested in the contest should focus their subjects on tree species that are native or currently growing within the state.

Further reading

Learn more about local vegetation and environmental initiatives on the New York Botany page.

Source note: This article includes information reported by NEWS10 ABC.

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