California State Parks invites TK-12 students to enter annual poster contest ahead of State Parks Week

California families who love spending time in state parks now have a creative way to share that passion — and potentially win a prize. California State Parks is accepting poster contest entries from students in grades TK through 12 through May 31 at 5 p.m. The contest is open to all California residents currently enrolled in those grades with five competitive categories — TK-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12 — each awarding first, second and third place. Artwork must reflect a California State Parks theme, be entirely the student's original work and measure no larger than 11 by 17 inches. Accepted media include paint, pencil, markers, ink, crayon, chalk, pastel and digital art. AI-generated submissions are not eligible. Entries can be submitted online through the official submission form with a parent or guardian signature required for students under 18. Students should also include a short written statement describing what inspired their artwork. For families without easy access to scan or photograph entries, submissions can be mailed to California State Parks at the address listed on the contest guidelines, postmarked no later than May 31. Winners will be announced on the California State Parks Week website in early June, and winning originals must be mailed in by June 19. For questions or to request an entry form, contact Sonya Jones at Sonya.Jones@parks.ca.gov.