Twelve counties, four organizations, and six Land and Water Departments are partnering this year to invite Northwoods’ area students in grades 4 through 8 to participate in the 5^th Annual Northwoods’ Invasive Species Poster Contest.  Students can design their posters around terrestrial invasive species such as, Emerald Ash Borer, Gypsy Moth or Japanese Knotweed, or choose an aquatic invasive species such as Zebra Mussels, Rusty Crayfish, or Yellow Iris.

An artist can draw an invasive bug, plant, fish or flea, but not everyone is an artist.Those students who are creative in other ways can invent a catchy slogan and build their poster around it. Whatever a student chooses, participating in this contest will allow them to gain a better understanding of how aquatic and terrestrial invasive species affect all of us.

First, second and third place trophies are awarded in four different divisions, grade 4; grade 5; g grade 6 and grades 7 & 8.  In addition, ribbons are awarded for Honorable Mention posters and Best Slogans.

First place winners in each division will also be awarded:

• a book for their school library
• a classroom flag
• a classroom celebration party

But best of all, EVERY poster will be on display on our 2016 “Wall of Fame” located on the second floor of the Oneida County Courthouse.  Entries in the poster contest are due by 4 p.m. Thursday, May 5, 2016.  Posters and entry forms may be mailed in or dropped off at any one of our 14 drop-off locations which include: the Bayfield County Land & Water Conservation Department in Washburn, Crandon Public Library, Demmer Memorial Library in Three Lakes, Iron County Land & Water Department in Hurley, Langlade County Land Conservation Department in Antigo, Mellen School District Office, Minocqua Public Library, Oneida County Land and Water Conservation Department in Rhinelander, Park Falls Public Library, Rhinelander District Library, Timberland Invasive Partnership in Keshena, Tomahawk Public Library, the Walter E Olson Memorial Library in Eagle River and the Washburn Public Library.

For a detailed list of our partners, and complete contest rules, information, or instructions, contact the Oneida County Land & Water Conservation Department at 715-369-7835, e-mail Michele Sadauskas, AIS Coordinator at [email protected] , or go to www.oneidacountyais.com.  Don’t miss your chance to win at the 2016 Northwoods’ Invasive Species Poster Contest!