Youth Project

A third grade student at Orchard School in South Burlington is the winner of the state's Smokey Bear Poster Contest - "Only You Can Prevent Wildfires", Lend a Hand, Care for the Land". Karen Villanti, from the Burlington Garden Club is the club's Smokey Bear Chairperson. The student along with 20 other students created posters educating themselves on making their environment safe. The winning poster is sent to the New England Garden Clubs for competition among the six (6) New England States.

Since 1944, Smokey Bear has been a national icon for wildfire awareness, joining him in 1977, Woodsy Owl reminds us to become more environmentally aware. Together they encourage us to take personal responsibility for the care of the lands and wildlife surrounding us.  Today, the Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl Poster Contest is an annual tradition among elementary schools, scout troops, and youth groups across the Nation.

Submitted by Doris Van Mullen FGCV Awards Chairperson