New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is accepting submissions for its annual Arbor Day Poster contest. Photographers and artists of all ages are encouraged to submit images that capture the power and beauty of trees. The poster is released annually by DEC’s Urban and Community Forestry Program to celebrate and recognize the benefits of trees to people, nature, and the environment.
“Trees are powerful allies in building resilient communities, ecosystems, and a healthier future,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “As we work together towards our goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033, this poster competition is a chance for New Yorkers to share their vision of the beauty and benefits of trees and to inspire others to celebrate, plant, and protect them.”
Submissions should reflect this year’s theme, “Trees for the Future,” expressing through original photos or artwork the connections between people and trees, the importance of planting trees for future generations, and the role of trees in providing resilience in a changing climate. DEC will accept submissions on behalf of the New York State Arbor Day Committee through November 30, 2025.
The winning image will be featured on the 2026 Arbor Day poster. The poster is distributed across the state for Arbor Day celebrations, the New York State Fair, schools, libraries, local conservation councils, and other events.
The annual Arbor Day Poster contest is sponsored by the New York State Arbor Day Committee, which includes DEC, the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Empire State Forestry Foundation, the New York State Arborists Association, and Sylvamo North America. Entries must feature trees growing within New York State, be of acceptable image resolution, and are limited to one per person. Read the complete contest rules and submit entries using the online submission form at https://
dec.ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/urban-and-community-forestry/arbor-day.
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