About the WI Land & Water Poster & Speaking Contest
Columbia County Land and Water Conservation Department promotes youth education in Wisconsin by hosting an annual Conservation Awareness Poster Contest and Speaking Contest. Both contests are open to all Columbia County students private, public and homeschool.
🎨2027 Conservation Awareness Poster Contest
- Theme: ““From Source to Sea: Every Drop Has a Journey” (must be included on each poster)
- Poster Contest: Wednesday, January 13, 2027
- Deadline to Register: Thursday, January 21, 2027
- Divisions: Grades K–1, Grades 2–3, Grades 4–6, Grades 7–9, Grades 10–12
- Poster Size: "11x17" (preferred size),14”x22”, or 12”x18”
- Prizes: Awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each division
Inclusive Conservation Awareness Poster Contest: This contest is for students in Columbia County who need extra help completing their poster. Divisions: Grades K–4, Grades 5-8, Grades 9-12. Awards will be given to the top 3 posters in each division.
🗣️ 2027 Conservation Speaking Contest
- Speaking Contest: Monday, January 18, 2027
- Registration at 5:45pm
- Contest begins at 6:00pm
- Location: Columbia County Administrative Building, Portage
- Deadline to Register: Wednesday, January 13, 2027
- Divisions: Grades 5–6, Grades 7–8, Grades 9–12
- Topic: “From Source to Sea: Every Drop Has a Journey”
- Prizes: Awarded to top speakers in each division
- Judging Criteria: If you have students interested in participating and would like to see a judging criteria sheet please reach out directly to Kelsey.Houk@ColumbiaCountywi.gov or Kelly.Maginnis@ColumbiaCountywi.gov.
🏆 Advancement Opportunities (Dates TBD)
- Columbia County winners of the Poster and Speaking Contest will advance to the Southern Area Regional Contest Monday January 25, 2027
- Southern Area Regional Contest winners (Poster and Speaking Contest) move on to the State Contest at the WI Land & Water Association’s Conference at Chula Vista in the Wisconsin Dells on March 3, 2027
- Winners of the State Poster Contest will move on to the National Association of Conservation Districts NACD Poster Contest.
📬 Important Notes
- Parent/guardian signature is required for all entries.
- Please tape the registration form to the back of each poster.
- All contest details, registration forms, and parent/teacher letters are attached.
🌱 This is a wonderful opportunity for students to explore conservation, express their creativity, and build public speaking skills. If you'd like a staff member from our department to visit your classroom or need additional materials, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!