SPOKANE, Wash.-School-age students in Washington are invited to participate in an art contest sponsored by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Invasive Species Council, to help stop the spread of invasive species.
“We need the creativity of young people to help us get the word out about the damage invasive species can do and how it impacts all of us,” said Stephanie Helms, WISC executive coordinator.
Invasive species are plants, animals, and other organisms that don’t naturally live in Washington that can cause economic and environmental harm.
Invasive species can outcompete native species for food and habitat and may even eat native species according to the WDFW. Once established, they can proliferate and cost millions of dollars to control. They also negatively impact utility, agriculture, and tourism industries.
Three winners will be selected from each division in the art contest. First place will receive a $100 Amazon gift card and a poster print of the art, while second place will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and third place a $25 Amazon gift card.
Invasive species art contest divisions:
Grade School: Kindergarten through fifth grade.Middle School: Sixth through eighth grade.High School: Ninth through twelfth grade.
The first-place winner will also be displayed at WDFW’s aquatic invasive species check stations in Spokane, Clarkston, Cle Elum and on U.S. Route 395 near the Tri-Cities according to the WDFW.
The art contest runs now through May and submissions must include pictures or information on a specific invasive species. A list of species is in the contest rules.
