KEEP WILDLIFE WILD. Wisconsin students could have their design used in the 2024 DNR campaign, like last year's winner, Elsa Wright from Suamico. (Photo via DNR site)

Fourth, fifth, and sixth graders throughout the state are invited to dream up and design the next Keep Wildlife Wild poster for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources! This year’s theme, “Safe In Their Home,” is in line with the program’s goal: spreading the word about everyone’s role in keeping wildlife healthy in their natural habitats.

The Keep Wildlife Wild poster contest is a fun, engaging way for kids to learn and spread the important message of respecting wildlife. The program, which began in 2014, encourages students in fourth through sixth grades enrolled in public, private, parochial, or home schools to submit their designs.

“The contest’s goal is to create a poster that teaches the importance of enjoying and observing wildlife in the wild and not keeping wildlife in homes or as pets,” a recent media release explained.

The contest is open until Feb. 16, 2024, at 5pm. Entries need to include the words “Keep Wildlife Wild 2024” and follow the theme of “Safe In Their Home.” The poster design must fit an 8.5-inch-by-11-inch sheet of paper, be two-dimensional, and be constructed with standard art tools (ink, pencil, paint, marker, crayon, charcoal, etc.). Graphic design programs may be used but artwork created must be the student’s original design.

Scenes like a rabbit nest in a garden, a robin nest in the branches of a tree, or a fawn’s hiding spot in the long grass, are examples of some potential wildlife ideas. Check out the Keep Wildlife Wild webpage for more inspiration.

All submissions must be sent via email (KeepWildlifeWild@wisconsin.gov) or through the mail (Wisconsin Keep Wildlife Wild Poster Design Contest; Department of Natural Resources, Attn: Taylor Czyscon; PO Box 100; Friendship, WI 53934), and only one entry is allowed per student. To submit a poster, fill out an entry form and have it signed by a parent, teacher, or guardian, and send it in.

The judging panel is made up of the DNR’s Keep Wildlife Wild team and winners will be notified via email in March. The DNR will announce the winners on Facebook and in a statewide press release.

Visit the Wisconsin DNR’s website to learn more about the Keep Wildlife Wild poster contest.