Students in grades 4 through 7 are invited to learn about New Jersey's native fish by participating in the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife's 2011 Native Fish Art and Writing Contest.

The purpose of this annual contest is to encourage children to learn about New Jersey's native fish species and their biological requirements, including the habitats they need to survive. Participation in this contest can meet NJ Core Content Curriculum Standards Science 5.5: Grade 4 - A.1, C.1; Grade 6 - C.1; Science 5.10: Grade 6 - A.1 (as based on Trout Life Cycle from Trout in the Classroom Activity Guide).

Participants must write an original short story about a year in the life of a native New Jersey fish of their choice and draw a scene from their story. The story must include accurate biological and ecological information about the fish, such as its habitat needs, food preferences, and behavioral characteristics. Stories must be typed and be at least 500 words long.

The drawing must have a finished size of 8.5 x 11 inches and can be done in acrylics, pencils, watercolors, oil, oil pastels, crayons or ink. Creativity and originality in both the story and artwork will weigh heavily with judges, as will the use of proper grammar, sentence structure and spelling.

First and second place winners from each grade level will receive a fishing rod and reel and a certificate. First place winners will also receive a youth membership in Trout Unlimited.

All winners will be invited to the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center on the Opening Day of Trout Season, April 9, 2011 for a special luncheon, awards ceremony and the opportunity to fish for trout in the Pequest Fishing Education Pond.

Entries for the contest must be received no later than Friday, March 4, 2011 at the following address:

Native Fish Art and Writing Contest
Pequest Trout Hatchery and NREC
605 Pequest Rd.
Oxford, NJ 07863

Entries become the property of the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife and will not be returned.