DNR Encourages Students To Enter River Of Words® Environmental Poetry And Art Contest
Deadline for Entries is February 15

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ANNAPOLIS, MD — TThe Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages students to enter the International Environmental Poetry & Art contest, also known as River of Words® (ROW) by Feb. 15, 2008. The contests ongoing theme remains watersheds.

“Each year, this contests offers students an opportunity to connect with nature through art and poetry,” said DNR Education Chief Elena Takaki. “The contests watershed theme enables students to creatively express their feelings and viewpoints while also learning about their environment.”

Information on the free international contest offered in conjunction with the Library of Congress Center for the Book, prizes, entry form, and order form for the Watershed Science Curriculum can be obtained online at www.riverofwords.org.

All Maryland entries in the River of Words® international contest will be automatically entered in a separate state contest. One poetry and one art finalist will be chosen for the age categories of K-6 and 7-12 in each of the 10 tributary areas. Finalists will be announced in June. Those 40 finalists will compete for the four state championship titles (for corresponding age groups).

For more information, contact Joann Wheeler at 410-260-8809 or jywheeler@dnr.state.md.us, or visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/education/are/row.

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January 10, 2008

Contact: Olivia Campbell 410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell ocampbell@dnr.state.md.us

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 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 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 12 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