2021 Wyoming State Arbor Day Poster Contest winners announced

The Wyoming State Forestry Division partnered with Wyoming Project Learning Tree again this year to host the annual Wyoming State Arbor Day poster contest. 

This year’s theme was “Trees: That’s WY.” Over 300 fourth and fifth grade students from around the state participated in the contest.

This year’s first place winner is Effie Maycock of Gillette. She received $100, her framed poster and a plaque at the Wyoming State Arbor Day Celebration in Cheyenne on April 26. Her teacher, Jill Phillips also received $100.

 Second place goes to Leah Sibert of Mountain View. She will receive $50, her framed poster and a plaque at a future date.

Secretary of State Ed Buchanan read the Arbor Day Proclamation at the state celebration and Tara Costanzo with Wyoming State Forestry Division recognized cities and campuses involved in the Wyoming Tree City USA and Tree Campus USA Higher Education programs. 

Effie was then presented her framed poster and plaque. Upon receiving her award, Effie shared with the audience, “When I first heard of this contest I knew I wanted to enter right away because I love art.”

 She also shared her family notices the benefits she wrote on her poster, like shade and beauty, in their own backyard in Gillette where they care for over 130 trees and shrubs. Effie was joined by state dignitaries in planting a tree on the Supreme Court building grounds to celebrate the tree planter’s holiday.

The mission of Wyoming Project Learning Tree is to provide balanced natural resource curriculum, enabling educators to expand students’ understanding of Wyoming’s unique environment.

This year, the framing was graciously donated by Main Frame of Sheridan. 

“We are grateful to our sponsors and the teachers who took the time to send in their students’ artwork,” said Jessica Halverson, contest coordinator.

Visit the Wyoming Project Learning Tree website at wyomingplt.org for more information or contact State Program Coordinator Jessica Halverson at 605-431-5979 or jessica.halverson1@gmail.com.