2025 Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl Poster contest
SPRINGFIELD – The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts together with the USDA, Forest Service and National Garden Clubs, Inc., are giving students the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of wildfire prevention and basic environmental conservation principles through original drawings of Smokey Bear or Woodsy Owl.
Children from first through fifth grade are invited to participate in this annual drawing contest featuring conservation icons Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl. Individual children can enter but groups, clubs and schools are encouraged to use this as an opportunity to impress upon their members or students the importance of taking a personal role in preventing wildfires or conserving natural resources.
Posters are to be completed by individual students, have correct spelling and all posters must feature Smokey Bear or Woodsy Owl. Smokey Bear posters must include Smokey’s wildfire prevention message: Only You Can Prevent Wildfires! Woodsy Owl posters must include Woodsy’s conservation messages: Give-A-Hoot, Don’t Pollute or Lend a Hand – Care for the Land. Complete rules including size requirements, allowed materials and other important contest rules can be found on the GCFM website at www.gcfm.org/ngc-youth-contests.
Being a member of a garden club is not a requirement, but all contest entrants must be sponsored by a GCFM recognized local garden club. Entries must be submitted to the sponsoring club by Jan. 10, 2025. For more information or to connect with a recognized garden club contact Mary Bandouveres at gcfmyouthcontests@gmail.com
Springfield Garden Club upcoming gardening series
SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Garden Club will host “Year Round Color in the Garden: Horticultural Workshops” a series of 3 classes for anyone interested in year round interest in their yards and gardens. The programs will be at 2 p.m. on three Sundays in January and February.
Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 will kick off the series with the class “Some of the Best Perennials and Shrubs for Seasonal Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall and even WINTER!” Wondering what to plant? How to layer them for best effect? This hands-on workshop has you evaluating a wide variety of new and tried-and-true plants for the unique needs of your yard. Led by Vana Nespor, District Director, Garden Club Federation of MA.
Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025 is “Trees that Bring Joy all Year Long” Looking to plant and care for a small tree that you will enjoy year-round? Learn which small trees bring joy to both you and the wildlife around you. Where best to place them, and learn how to make sure they survive in our changing climate. Led by Alex Sherman, Tree Warden and City Forester for Springfield.
Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025 is “Landscaping for Year-Round Beauty” Want to enjoy your garden more in the spring, summer, fall, and winter? Learn how to design a garden that showcases vibrant color and fascinating textures that make it shine in every season.
The classes will be held in the Old Monkey House, in Forest Park on Sumner Ave. The fee is $10 per class and tickets are available at the door, on Eventbrite, by emailing spfldgardenclub@gmail.com or by calling 413.285.3163.
For more information on this and other Springfield Garden Club events go to www.gcfm.org/springfieldgardenclub or visit them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldMAGardenClub/
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