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Invasive Species Art Contest

Theme: "Species Reporters Wanted- What's the Scoop on Invasives"

Invasive species are plants, animals, and microorganisms that are not native to an environment, and that once introduced, establish, quickly reproduce and spread, and harm the environment, economy, or human health. Dig into the facts and then share what you have discovered about invasive species. Pick an invasive species and show it/them and at least one of the following in your art piece: where they live, what impact they have on the environment, who is affected by their presence, why we don't want them, how can we stop their spread.

Deadline for submissions: May 3

Download the art contest flyer (PDF).

Instructions

Art Contest

  • Open to grades 2-12. Each entry must be from an individual student.
  • Deadline for submissions: May 3
  • Create an original piece of art on an invasive species issue that affects California, focused on the theme “Species Reporters Wanted - What's the Scoop on Invasives”. Important: Pick an invasive species and show it/them and at least one of the following in your art piece: where they live, what impact they have on the environment, who is affected by their presence, why we don't want them, how can we stop their spread.
  • You may want to choose an invasive species that is relevant to your local area (see Helpful Resources below).
  • Entries may be drawings, paintings, mixed media, sculpture, or comic strips.
  • Submit a scan or photo of your artwork (maximum 10MB).
  • Artwork will be judged on the information conveyed, creativity, and relevance to the theme.
    • Entries will be judged in three grade divisions (2-4, 5-8, 9-12) with three winners selected from each division.
    • One entry will receive the Invasive Species Program Choice Award (grand prize).
    • Winners will be notified and announced on CDFW’s Facebook page during Invasive Species Action Week in June.

Helpful Resources

For Teachers

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Researching invasive species to create art meet California curriculum standards:

  • Next Generation Science Standards
    • Grade 2: 2-LS2-1 and 2-LS2-2
    • Grade 5: 5-LS2-1 and 5-ESS3-1
    • Middle School: MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-1, MS-ETS1-1
    • High School: HS-LS2-7 (LS4.D) and HS-LS4-6 (ETS1.B)
  • English Language Arts
    • Grades 5-12: SL.5.4, SL.5.5, SL.6.4, SL.6.5, SL.7.4, SL.7.5, SL.8.4, SL.8.5, SL.9-10.4, SL.9-10.5, SL.11-12.5
  • Visual Arts
    • Grades 7-12: 7.VA:Cr2.3, 8.VA:Cr2.3, Prof.MA:Cr2

Past Winners

Unite to Fight, Learn to Spot the Difference poster featuring nutria compared to muskrat, mute swan compared to tundra swan, yellow star thistle compared to Mojave ragwort
"Unite to Fight Invasive Species!" 2022 Invasive Species Program Choice Award Winner by Ashley Te

Fisheries Branch
Branch Chief: Jay Rowan
1010 Riverside Parkway, West Sacramento, CA 95605
Fisheries@wildlife.ca.gov