Attention parents, teachers, and young tree lovers! It is time to grab your colored pencils, markers, and paint. California ReLeaf, in partnership with CAL FIRE and Blue Shield of California, has officially opened entries for the 2026 Arbor Week Poster Contest. This is a fantastic opportunity for Lassen County youth to showcase their creativity while celebrating the incredible trees that make our community a cooler, healthier, and friendlier place to live.
Celebrating Our Silent Best Friends
This year’s theme, “Trees Are Our Friends,” highlights the special bond we share with nature. Whether they are providing a shady spot for a neighborhood game of tag or offering a quiet place to daydream, trees are nature’s playground.
By participating, local students can explore how trees help us relax, keep us cool in the summer heat, and make our mountain town feel like home.
How to Participate
The contest is open to all California youth between the ages of 5 and 12 years old. To enter, artists should create original work on paper ranging in size from 8.5”x11” to 11”x17”. It is important that the phrase “Trees Are Our Friends” is included somewhere on the design, and the artist must sign their first and last name in the lower right-hand corner.
Please make sure the artwork is not folded, matted, or framed, as it needs to be easy to duplicate for the judges.
All entries must be postmarked by Wednesday, February 12th, 2026. You can mail the original masterpiece along with an entry form to California ReLeaf at 2115 J Street, Suite 213, Sacramento, CA 95816.
If you are unable to mail the physical copy, the committee accepts high-quality digital scans or photos via email at [email protected], though finalists will be asked to send their original art later.
Prizes and Statewide Recognition
A committee will review posters from across the state, with winners being announced on March 7th, to kick off California Arbor Week. Winning artists will receive cash prizes ranging from $25 to $100 and a large, professional 18×24 inch print of their own artwork.
The top posters will even be unveiled at a special press conference and featured in the California ReLeaf Hall of Fame online.
Let’s show the rest of the state the incredible talent we have here in Susanville! For more details or to download the entry form, visit the California ReLeaf website or reach out via email.
