Kip Kendrick, Presiding Commissioner

Justin Aldred, District I Commissioner

Janet Thompson, District II Commissioner

Roger B. Wilson

Boone County Government Center

801 E. Walnut St., Rm 333

Columbia, MO 65201-7732

(573) 886-4305 (573) 886-4311

Boone County Commission News Release

Boone County Students Invited to Enter Earth Day Art Contest

COLUMBIA, Mo. (November 2, 2026) - Calling all Boone County students, kindergarten through 12th grade: Grab your pencils, paints, or markers and get creative! Bring Boone County’s wildlife, plants, landscapes, and freshwater ecosystems to life and show how nature makes your life better or more fun!

All Boone County students are invited to participate in the Earth Day Art Contest, where they can showcase their creativity and love for the environment, display their art in the Columbia Earth Day Celebration, and have a chance to win a prize.

The contest, sponsored by the City of Columbia, Boone County, and the University of Missouri – Columbia, kicked off on Thursday, October 15. Submissions will be accepted until January 15 and winners will be contacted on February 15, 2027. Winners will be announced on Earth Day, April 2027.

Theme for Artists:
"I think that I shall never see something lovely as a tree.”

How to Enter:
Visit the contest website to enter the art contest and submit your work: https://www.como.gov/sustainability/earth-day-art-contest/

What to Create:
Draw, paint, or illustrate an original piece of artwork based on the contest theme. To be eligible, your poster must focus on Boone County, Missouri. Artwork should portray the beauty and benefits of trees and can also feature the impact of trees on:

• Water sources: Trees help our water sources remain clean through their natural filtration systems. Their root systems help prevent flooding damage, both by stabilizing the banks along waterways and by soaking up excess water. The umbrellas created by trees also slow the speed of rain entering water sources, keeping the water clear and clean.
• Wildlife: Trees provide shelter, food, and other benefits to wildlife creatures. Trees are an integral part of the food cycle for many, if not all, wildlife creatures.
• Community spaces: Trees beautify our neighborhoods and provide spaces to relax and play. Trees also provide shade and help to keep neighborhoods cooler, allowing for outdoor activities even on hot days.
• People: Trees create places to play, relax, and explore nature, offering space for people to spend quality time together or alone, both of which are essential for mental and physical health. Trees also improve air quality.
• Environment: Trees reduce stormwater runoff, absorb carbon, prevent erosion, and provide wildlife habitat.
• Local Economics: By providing shade, trees reduce energy costs for homes and businesses alike. Trees also increase property values.

Contest Details:

• Eligibility: Students in grades K-12 residing in Boone County.
• Age Divisions:
  • K-2nd grade
  • 3rd-5th grade
  • 6th-8th grade
  • 9th-12th grade
• Prizes: First- and second-place winners in each division will receive $30 gift cards.
• Artwork Guidelines:
  • All artwork must be hand-made, not traced or computer-generated.
  • Each poster must be created by one person.
  • Hand-drawn artwork should be photographed and submitted as a JPG or PNG file through the website. A horizontal or landscape orientation is recommended.
  • Creativity in incorporating Missouri’s trees, as well as native wildlife, plants, land, and freshwater ecosystems will be a key judging criterion.
  • All entries become the intellectual property of the City of Columbia, Boone County, and the University of Missouri – Columbia for reproduction and use.

Important Dates:

• Contest Kickoff: October 15, 2026
• Submission Deadline: January 15, 2027
• Winners Contacted: February 15, 2027
• Earth Day Celebration Winner Announcement: April 2027

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