Albany, NY - October 12, 2016 - The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) encourages the public to celebrate Arbor Day 2017 with their own personal artwork. The Arbor Day Planning Committee is accepting original art and photography submissions to be selected as the New York State Arbor Day Poster. DEC will be accepting them on behalf of the committee through December 31, 2016. Send your artwork via email. The winning artist is honored at the annual NYS Arbor Day celebration, which is the last Friday in April.
The Arbor Day Committee includes DEC, Empire State Forest Foundation, NYS Arborist Association, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, NYS Nursery and Landscape Association and the International Paper Company.
"Trees play a vital role in the lives of New Yorkers and are a fundamental part of our ecosystem, whether someone is tapping a maple tree in early spring or relaxing in the shade of a tree on a hot summer day, trees are integral to our quality of life," DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said.
"It is important to celebrate Arbor Day throughout the year and highlight the importance of trees to our health, our environment, and our economy," said Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball.
The winning artwork will be replicated as the official 2017 New York State Arbor Day Poster and distributed at schools, libraries, government offices, nursery and landscaping businesses, and environmental organizations throughout the State. For more information about the contest, visit the Promote Arbor Day with Your Artwork web page on DEC's website. To get past NYS Arbor Day posters, contact your local DEC forestry office or call 518-402-9425.