The purpose of the Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl Art Poster Contest is to demonstrate the importance of understanding wildfire prevention, gardening, nature conservation, environment, and wildlife. A yearly poster contest sponsored by the National Garden Club (NGC) and the U.S. The Department of Agriculture, Forest Service is held for grades 1-5. The contest is an annual tradition among elementary schools, scout troops, and youth groups across the nation. A third grade student from Orchard Elementary School, Helen Paxton, in South Burlington was the 2025 winner for New England Regional & Honorable Mention for the National Garden Club. Congratulations Helen!
