DNR Announces 2005 River of Words Poetry and Art Contest Finalists

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ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the names of 21 finalists in the Maryland River of Words Poetry and Art Contest. The finalists were chosen from a talented pool of 170 Maryland school children who had originally submitted their work to the annual International Poetry & Art Contest, also known as River of Words® (ROW). The ongoing theme of the contest is watersheds.

River of Words® is an international arts and environmental education program that teaches watershed education through the arts. Students from all over the world in grades kindergarten through 12th enter their artwork and poems into the contest. One winner in both art and poetry for two age groups (K-6 and 7-12) are chosen each year. All of the Maryland entries are then returned to DNR for another chance to compete in the Maryland state contest.

This year’s 21 finalists represent nine of the 10 tributary areas in Maryland. For a complete listing of the Maryland River of Words finalists and to view their art or poetry visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/education/are/row/2005finalists.html.

The finalists will now compete for one of four championships. This year, Maryland River of Words finalists and champions will be honored with ribbons and prizes at a ceremony on Natural Resources Day at the Maryland State Fair on August 27. All finalists will be awarded ribbons and State Fair passes donated by the Maryland State Fair. Prizes for each champion include a $100 savings bond courtesy of Sandy Spring Bank and a basket of art supplies.

Finalists and champion artwork and poetry will be on display at the Maryland State House in Annapolis from mid-September to mid-October.

For more information on the Maryland River of Words contest visit: www.dnr.maryland.gov/education/are/row. For more information on the International River of Words contest visit: www.riverofwords.org

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May 20, 2005

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 446,000 acres of public lands and 18,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov