By STACIE MINSON
KSU Watershed Specialist
It is time for the annual KSU Watersheds and City of Hays Water Poster Contest. The 2023 theme is “Use Your Water Smarts." Daycares, Pre-Schools, USD 489, Holy Family Elementary, TMP Marian and home-school students, Pre-school through 12th, students at Fort Hays State University and NCK Tech, and adults in the City of Hays are eligible to participate. In addition, this year we’ve added Intellectual/Development Disabilities (IDD) division (youth through adults).
The “Use your Water Smarts” posters can focus on Water Conservation or Stormwater/Water Quality messages. Posters could show how to reduce water usage indoors, outdoors, and/or at home and work. Also, posters might share how to reduce sediment, nutrients, and E. Coli bacteria, household chemicals, etc. that are harmful to water sources. Both water conservation and stormwater/water quality can be highlighted on the same poster.
Posters must be horizontal, designed on 12 x 18-inch white poster paper with “Use your Water Smarts” included. Posters can be designed with pencil, paints, pens, crayons, or markers. In addition, the posters can be 3-dimensional, or computer generated. Name, age, and teacher need to be included on the back of the poster. Poster paper is available for pick-up at the Public Works Department, 1002 Vine, during regular business hours. Prize money will be awarded to 1st- 3rd place winners in each age division. Winning posters will be displayed at Tri-Central Office supply during the month of May and at the Ellis County Fair.
Posters are due by Thursday, March 9, at school offices, City Hall, or Public Works Department. Winners will be announced by March 31 and the Awards Celebration will be held at Sternberg Museum on April 4 at 6pm. To learn more about water conservation and stormwater/water quality for poster ideas, visit www.watersmarthays.com or www.MyKansasWatershed.com (special events tab). For questions, call Stacie Minson, KSU Watershed Specialist, 785-769-3297 or Holly Dickman, City of Hays Water Conservation Specialist, 785-628-7350.
Cover image courtesy Pixabay