Elementary students across Georgia are being encouraged to put their artistic talents to work while learning more about the state’s wildlife.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is accepting entries for the 37th annual Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest, open to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. This year’s theme is “Wildlife Great and Small: We Need Them All!”

DNR says the theme emphasizes the importance of every species in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Georgia is home to more than 4,000 species of plants and wild animals, along with tens of thousands of invertebrate species. Students are encouraged to look beyond larger, familiar animals and consider smaller plants and creatures found in their own backyards, schoolyards and local parks.

Artwork must follow this year’s theme and feature native Georgia wildlife, plants or both. Students initially compete at the local level, typically through their school. However, homeschool organizations, after-school programs, Scout troops and libraries can also host local contests. First-place winners in each division can advance to the state competition at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens.

Competition divisions include kindergarten; first and second grades; third and fourth grades; and fifth grade. First-, second- and third-place winners will be selected in each division.

The deadline for schools and participating organizations to submit digital photographs of their state-level entries is March 1, 2027. The artwork of the top 12 state winners will be featured through Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division and State Botanical Garden social media and a statewide news release. Winners will also receive award ribbons.

Teachers, parents and organizations interested in participating can find contest rules, entry forms and additional information through the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division’s poster contest page. Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest