Tree lovers, unite! Your favorite photograph, painting, or drawing could be star of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s latest Arbor Day poster for 2026.
The yearly contest, which solicits artwork from New Yorkers all across the state, has a different themes every year. While the focus is always on trees (it’s for Arbor Day, after all), 2026’s theme adds a human element.
TSM Poughkeepsie
TSM PoughkeepsieArbor Day Poster Contest Launched by NYS DEC
The NYS DEC shared that the 2026 poster will be titled “Trees for the Future”, with a mission to show the important relationship New York residents have with their leafy neighbors. Arbor Day might be months away, but the deadline to enter the NYS DEC’s contest is quickly approaching.
TSM Poughkeepsie
TSM PoughkeepsieDetails for NYS DEC’s 2026 Arbor Day Poster Contest
The deadline for all submissions is November 30th 2025. Applicants should submit their work through the NYS DEC’s online portal after checking that their art meets the official requirements for the contest, including size, resolution, and the proper legal releases for any people that are featured alongside their celebrated tree. Basic guidelines include:
Digital images (photographs and scanned artwork) should be 300 dpi at 8″x10″Photographs should be at least 3,000 x 4,000 pixelsPhotographs and artwork should be unedited/uncroppedFind a full list of rules HEREHistory of Arbor Day in the United States
While Arbor Day, which was first celebrated more than 150 years ago in 1872, has always been focused on planting trees and celebrating the benefits they can provide for future generations, the holiday has also evolved. Learn about more ways to celebrate, ranging from park cleanups to tree-themed concerts, HERE.
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