California ReLeaf and CalFire announce the 2026 Arbor Week Poster Contest is now open

Attention young artists and tree lovers — entries are now open for the 2026 Arbor Week Poster Contest.

Each year, California kicks off Arbor Week (March 7 – 14) with a Youth Poster Contest. During Arbor Week, we celebrate how trees make our neighborhoods cooler, healthier, and safer for everyone. Learn more about the contest below and share it with young tree heroes in your community.

The 2026 contest theme
Trees Are Our Friends.

Who can enter
California Youth Ages 5 – 12 years old

Entry due date
Feb. 12, 2026 (postmarked)

About the contest theme
2026 theme — Trees Are Our Friends
Trees make our cities and towns feel like home. Their shady branches welcome us outside to play and enjoy time with family, friends and neighbors.

Trees Are Our Friends because we all know we feel happier near trees
• Trees help us to relax and enjoy being outside.
• Trees are nature’s playground where we can play, daydream, and be with our friends.
• Trees keep us cool in hot weather

Click here to learn more about trees and how they help our families and community.

2026 Poster Contest Guidelines
Eligibility
The submittal must be original art created by a California youth between the ages of 5 and 12 years old.

Poster size and other requirements
• Artwork must be between 8.5”x11” and 11”x17” and on paper that allows for duplication.
• Entry should not be matted, mounted, laminated, framed, or folded.
• The artist’s first and last name must be written or signed on the front lower right-hand corner of the poster.
• The theme phrase Trees Are Our Friends must appear somewhere on the poster.
• The poster must be related to the theme.

Entry due date
Saturday, Feb. 12, 2026 (postmarked)

How to enter
Send the original art and the Entry Form by Feb. 12, 2026 (postmarked) to: California ReLeaf at 2115 J Street, Suite 213, Sacramento, CA 95816. All entries will become the property of California ReLeaf and cannot be returned.

Click here to get a copy of the entry form.

If you cannot mail the artwork to us, high-quality digital replications (photographs or scans) are eligible. However, if the piece is selected as a finalist, the original must be arranged to be sent. Please email the entry with the entry form to arborweek[at]californiareleaf.org.

Prizes
• A committee will review all posters and select the statewide finalists.
• The parent/guardian of the winning artist will be notified by email.
• Each winner will receive a cash prize ranging from $25 to $100 and a printed copy of their poster (18 x 24 inches).
• The top-winning posters will be unveiled at the Arbor Week press conference, posted on the California ReLeaf and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection  websites, and shared via social media channels.
• Winning Posters will be announced on March 7th via our updates page and social media channels.
• Winning posters will also be featured on our Poster Contest Hall of Fame listing on our website.

Questions
Contact us at arborweek[at]californiareleaf.org

According to the CalFire Lassen-Modoc Unit Facebook page, “Calling all creative kids and tree champions. California ReLeaf’s 2026 Arbor Week Poster Contest is officially underway.

“This year’s theme, ‘Trees Are Our Friends,’ highlights the many ways trees lift our spirits—bringing calm, shade on hot days, and more time to enjoy the outdoors. Entries are due Feb. 12.

“Click here to find contest details and eligibility information.

“Know a budding artist or future forest steward? Spread the word and help inspire the next generation of tree lovers.”

A heartfelt thanks to sponsor Blue Shield of California and our Arbor Week Poster Contest partner CalFire.