Photo by Forrest Fisher A poster contest for middle school students across New York state sponsored by the NYSDEC is designed to empower the kids to learn about environmental and watershed stewardship.

Every day is a good day for all of us to get more involved with knowing more about clean water, especially our youngsters because it all starts with them for the future.

In conjunction with the New York Water Environment Association, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation is in its 20th year as a sponsor for an annual student poster contest. This year, and for the fourth year in a row, the theme is “Create a Watershed Superhero.”

The contest is designed for middle school students across the state to inspire and challenge our youth to craft their own superheroes, empowering them to learn about environmental stewardship and encouraging them to become guardians of their watersheds. The secondary theme is to remind all New Yorkers of the everyday actions each of us can take to protect and conserve precious water resources now and for future generations.

New York State teachers, schools, and clubs are advised to visit DEC’s website for information about participating in the 2024-25 school year contest. Posters will be accepted through Jan. 3, 2025. A total of 14 winning posters will be selected and featured in DEC and NYWEA’s 2026 Annual Calendar. The poster contest can play a developmental and crucial role in raising awareness of the importance of natural resources, and the DEC programs that help manage sources of water pollution and improve water quality.

Many local lakes, streams and rivers in Chautauqua County are managed through watershed programs that plan and initiate activities to protect and restore water quality. Among them are Chautauqua Lake, Findley Lake, Bear Lake and others. DEC is one of several New York State agencies funding projects to conserve water and protect water quality through statewide grant funding opportunities. There are Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Action Plans for priority waterways that are vulnerable to HABs and critical drinking water sources. Besides healthy fish and clean drinking water, our waterways are vital tourism drivers.

To review the poster criteria, including size, media (paper, crayons, chalk, markers, etc.), prizes and awards, and the uncomplicated judging criteria, educators should visit “Create A Watershed Superhero Calendar Contest” on the DEC web pages. The site includes lesson plan ideas for teachers and web links for students to learn more about watershed details written for their age groups. A lesson plan for “We all live in a Watershed” includes a PowerPoint presentation for teachers and a worksheet for students. Visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/32108.html.

Gotta love the outdoors!

Outdoor Calendar:

Oct. 26: NY Muskies – Chapter 69 musky tournament, Chautauqua Lake, Prendergast Launch. Details: Contact Katia Rivers, nymusky69@gmail.com.

Oct. 29: Fly Fishing and Fly-Tying Class, FREE, 7-8:30PM, with Alberto Rey, Costello Room, Rockefeller Arts Center, SUNY Fredonia. Info: email reya@fredonia.edu.

Nov. 1: Leftover deer management permits go on sale; first-come, first served at license issuing agent sites.

Nov. 2-15: NYS Southern Zone crossbow big game season

Nov. 3: Bear Lake Rod & Gun, monthly meeting, 4PM, 4392 Cassadaga-Stockton Rd.; membership is open, $50/year; Info: bearlakeRG@gmail.com, or call 716-960-9043.

Nov. 16-Dec. 8: NYS Southern Zone Regular (firearm) Big Game season

Dec. 9-Dec. 17 and Dec. 26-Jan. 1: NYS Southern Zone Late Bowhunting Season