Maryland Forest Service Launched Student Poster Contest
Seventh-grade students across Maryland can now enter a wildfire safety art contest to mark a milestone anniversary.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Asthma
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The Maryland Forest Service has kicked off a statewide Smokey Bear poster contest for seventh-grade classrooms and homeschool groups. This initiative coincides with the agency celebrating its 120th anniversary.
Why it matters
The competition serves as an educational tool designed to increase awareness about wildfire prevention and forest conservation among middle schoolers. By engaging students in creative projects, the agency hopes to foster long-term habits regarding fire safety.
The program is a statewide initiative managed by the Maryland Forest Service, currently observing its 120th anniversary. It is open to seventh-grade students, with one entry submission allowed per school.
The players
Maryland Forest Service
A state agency responsible for managing forest resources and wildfire prevention efforts that is currently celebrating 120 years of operation.
The details
Schools participate by submitting one original piece of artwork that incorporates the specific message, 'Only YOU can prevent wildfires!' Entries move through a two-tiered judging process, beginning with regional reviews before finalists advance to the statewide selection phase.
Timeline
November 2: Deadline for contest entry submissions.
Late November to mid-December: Expected notification window for winning teachers.
Health Landscape
This initiative is part of the long-standing Smokey Bear wildfire prevention campaign, which serves as a cornerstone for environmental safety education. It aligns with historical efforts to mitigate forest-related health and safety hazards through public engagement.
Wildfire smoke can significantly impact air quality, making these educational initiatives relevant for students with respiratory conditions like asthma. Teachers and parents should monitor local air quality reports, especially during periods of increased fire risk in the state.
The takeaway
Understanding wildfire prevention is a critical component of maintaining healthy air quality in Maryland's forests and communities. Parents of children with respiratory issues should discuss how to stay informed about local air quality alerts with their physician.
What happens next
Winning teachers will be notified of their results between late November and mid-December.
Further reading
Learn more about local air quality factors and respiratory health in the Asthma section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The MoCo Show.
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Do you believe school-based contests are effective tools for teaching children about wildfire safety?
