Deadline for entries is March 31

Each year, K-12 students from across the country can enter their artwork in the Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Contest. The contest requires student artists to depict a state fish. Prizes are awarded at the state and national levels in four categories: K-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12, with students in grades 4-12 writing a one-page essay about the fish, its natural habitat and the importance of that habitat in addition to the artwork. Complete contest rules and the entry form can be found on the Wildlife Forever website,www.wildlifeforever.org.

Artists can choose to depict either of Alabama’s state fish – ¬the largemouth bass or the fighting tarpon. Participants can also choose to draw state fish from other states, which are listed on the Wildlife Forever website. Entries must be postmarked by March 31, 2019, and mailed to Wildlife Forever, 5350 Highway 61 North, Suite 7, White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

For more than 20 years, the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) has promoted this art contest for the students of Alabama.

“This contest uses art as a medium for teaching conservation education,” said Doug Darr, WFF Aquatic Education Coordinator. “Teachers can request information and a lesson plan specific to aquatic natural resources by visiting Wildlife Forever’s website.”

Wildlife Forever is a non-profit organization working to preserve America’s wildlife heritage through conservation education, preservation of habitat and scientific management of fish and wildlife species. Wildlife Forever has funded conservation projects in all 50 states. To learn more, visitwww.wildlifeforever.org.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visitwww.outdooralabama.com.