Attention local garden clubs, teachers, collaborators, and USDA Forest Service employees! Each year a partnership with the National Garden Club and the US Forest Service holds poster contests for first through fifth grade students.

The Grand Prize National Poster Contest Winner will win a free round trip airfare and accommodations for four to Washington, DC. A $100 U.S. Savings Bond will also be awarded to the First Place National Winners from each grade level.

The original Smokey Bear appeared in 1944. Smokey's message, "Remember, Only You Can Prevent Wildfires," is one that children and their parents have heard for many years. It encourages personal responsibility for fire prevention. Smokey Bear teaches children and adults to be careful with campfires, barbecues, trash fires, and matches.

Woodsy Owl is America's icon for the conservation of the environment. Since 1971, Woodsy has been helping parents and teachers inspire children to observe, explore, and care for the environment. He challenges children to "Lend a Hand - Care for the Land!"

Woodsy Owl encourages children to join him by taking an active role in caring for the land through recycling, reusing, and reducing waste; planting and caring for trees; using resources wisely (such as not wasting water or electricity); not littering; and generally caring for our planet.

This year's contest theme is: 

"Only You Can Prevent Wildfires" , "Lend a Hand Care for the Land"

Download our tips on entering the 2025 Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl (SBWO) Poster Contest to get started! Posters should be submitted to your District Chair by December 1 and then to State Chairman on or before January 20. One Contest Label should be affixed to the back of each poster. Complete the required information before submitting poster to your District SBWO Chairman. You may visit the National Garden Club website for further details. 

SBWO Local Chairman Winning Posters Reporting Form

SBWO Accountability Report (New in 2025)

SBWO District Chairman Winning Posters Reporting Form

Mary Ogden
51 Horton Road
Odum, GA 31555
912-586-6125(h)
912-294-4144(c)
[email protected]