I invite you and your students to be part of the 2004 Arbor Day National Poster Contest sponsored by the District Department of Transportation's Urban Forestry Administration, The National Arbor Day Foundation, and Toyota.

Encourage your students to design an original poster depicting the 2004 Contest theme - Trees are Terrific…in Cities and Towns! You may use all or any part of the activity guide to help your students appreciate the importance of trees and Arbor Day. Please read contest guidelines on page 20 in the activity guide carefully. Only posters that meet guidelines will be eligible. Only one poster from each school may be submitted to the Urban Forestry Administration. To receive an activity guide and information package please e-mail me at mariclaire.mccartan@dc.gov.

The Urban Forestry Administration will award three prizes to the top three winning entries. Award certificates to the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place winners will be presented at the District Arbor Day ceremony on Friday, April 30, 2004. In addition, the classroom of the three winning students will receive a supply of tree related books worth: $75 - 1st place; $50 - 2nd place; $25 - 3rd place. The District's first place winning poster will then go on to compete in the national contest.

The winning poster from your school must be sent to the Urban Forestry Administration at the above address by Friday, March 26, 2004.

I am excited about the opportunity this contest provides for the District's fifth grade students to foster tree planting and learn the importance of caring for our environment. Should you have any questions about the contest, please do not hesitate to contact me at 202-645-6140.

Sincerely,

Mariclaire McCartan
Horticulturist
Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator