Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl Poster Contest 2025
SPRINGFIELD – The Massachusetts Federation of Garden Clubs along with the USDA, Forest Service and National Garden Clubs, Inc., offer students the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of wildfire prevention and basic environmental conservation principles through original drawings of Smokey Bear or Woodsy Owl.
Children in grades one through five are invited to participate in this annual drawing contest featuring conservation icons Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl. Children can enter individually, but groups, clubs and schools are encouraged to use this as an opportunity to show their members or students the importance of taking a personal role in forest fire prevention or natural resource conservation.
Posters must be completed by individual students, have correct spelling, and all posters must include either Smokey Bear or Woodsy Owl. Smokey Bear posters must include Smokey’s wildfire prevention message: Only you can prevent wildfires! Woodsy Owl posters must include Woodsy’s conservation messages: Give-A-Hoot, Don’t Pollute or Lend a Hand – Care for the Land. Complete rules including size requirements, permitted materials and other important contest rules can be found on the GCFM website at www.gcfm.org/ngc-youth-contests.
Membership of a garden club is not a requirement, but all competition entrants must be sponsored by a local garden club recognized by GCFM. Entries must be sent to the sponsoring club by January 10, 2025. For more information or to connect with a recognized garden club, contact Mary Bandouveres at gcfmyouthcontests@gmail.com
Springfield Garden Club next gardening series
SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Garden Club will host “Year Round Color in the Garden: Horticultural Workshops” a series of 3 classes for anyone interested in year-round interest in their yards and gardens. The programs will be at 2 pm on three Sundays in January and February.
On Sunday, January 26, 2025, the series will begin with the class “Some of the Best Perennials and Shrubs of Seasonal Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Even WINTER!” Wondering what to plant? How to layer them for best effect? This hands-on workshop has you evaluate a variety of new and proven plants for your garden’s unique needs. Led by Vana Nespor, District Director, MA Federation of Gardening Clubs.
Sunday, February 9, 2025 is “Trees that bring joy throughout the year” Do you want to plant and care for a small tree that you will enjoy all year? Find out which small trees bring joy to both you and the wildlife around you. Where best to place them and learn how to ensure they survive in our changing climate. Led by Alex Sherman, Springfield’s Tree Warden and City Forester.
Sunday, February 23, 2025 is “Landscaping for Year-Round Beauty” Do you want to enjoy your garden more in spring, summer, autumn and winter? Learn how to design a garden that displays vibrant colors and fascinating textures that make it shine in every season.
Classes will be held at the Old Monkey House in Forest Park on Sumner Ave. Cost is $10 per class and tickets are available at the door, on Eventbrite, by emailing. spfldgardenclub@gmail.com or by calling 413.285.3163.
For more information on this and other Springfield Garden Club events, visit www.gcfm.org/springfieldgardenclub or visit them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldMAGardenClub/
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