Birds are one of few living creatures that can be found in most environments globally. Human cultures throughout the ages have looked to birds for creativity and inspiration; as well as sought them out for their economic and ecological value. This poster contest supports the celebration of International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) at the Pequest Bird Festival, Saturday, May 9, 2009 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The 2009 IMBD theme is Celebrating Birds in Culture.

This contest, co-sponsored by NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife and Verizon Pioneers H.G. McCully Upstate Chapter 12, is open to all fourth grade students who reside in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex and Warren counties.

Participants are asked to research one migratory bird that visits New Jersey. Using the knowledge gained from their research, students need to create a poster that illustrates the selected bird, and highlights at least one human culture that it encounters on its migratory journey. Content may include culture-specific material, biological and environmental observations about the bird, its habitat, dietary requirements, nesting habits, other migration route locations that it visits, and other related ecological information. The poster should be 8.5”x 11” and can be: a collage, montage, drawing or painting done with acrylics, pencils, watercolors, oil pastels, crayons, ink; or other similar artistic medium. Entries will be judged on creativity, originality, and best expression of the theme.

Participation in this contest meets NJ Core Content Curriculum Standards in Science: 5.2, 5.5 & 5.10; Language Arts: 3.1 & 3.5; and Visual & Performing: 1.2.

Winners will be selected by Verizon Pioneers H. G. McCully Upstate Chapter 12 members. Each winner will receive a special bird-related gift, and have their poster included in a calendar featuring all of the winning entries.

All entries must be received at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center by April 17, 2009. On a 3x5 index card attached to the back of the poster, please include: student's name, teacher’s name, school name, school address, telephone number, and county. All submitted artwork will be prominently displayed at the Pequest Bird Festival on Saturday, May 9, 2009 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Artwork may be returned to the students after 3:00 pm upon conclusion of the Festival. Entries that have not been claimed by May 15 will become the property of NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife.

For more information about the Pequest Bird festival, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/budding.htm. Schools/students should submit all entries to:

Celebrating New Jersey Birds Poster Contest
c/o Pequest Trout Hatchery & Natural Resource Education Center
605 Pequest Road
Oxford, NJ 07863

Note: This contest is conducted in partnership with Verizon Pioneers. For information about the Pioneers and other education enhancing opportunities available to students in Northern NJ please visit the Pioneer websites:

North Jersey Local Chapter: www.verizonmccullyupstatepioneers.org
Verizon Region / Group: www.verizonpioneers.org
National Headquarters: www.telecompioneers.org