This annual event is a fantastic opportunity for teachers to inspire their students to think deeply about how we care for our planet, nature, and the environment we live in. It encourages young writers to express their thoughts in either poetry or essay form.

The challenge is open to 3rd and 4th grade students, providing them with an early opportunity to develop their creative thinking skills, reflect on ways to create a healthier future, and build confidence—not only in their writing but in themselves and what they can achieve.

With many writing opportunities beginning at the middle school level, we aim to empower younger students to find their voice, explore their ideas, and make a meaningful impact through their words.

Contest Guidelines:

*Offered to 3rd and 4th grade students

*Students can choose to submit a poem (for example...Haiku, Acrostic, Rhyming) or an essay, in ANY form or type they wish to explore with the theme, "Working Together to Create a Healthier Tomorrow." Keeping with this theme, past entries have explored gardening, recycling, helping animal life, healthy living habits, and forestry to name a few.

*Students entries please include: name, grade level, school

*Teachers: please include the best contact information for communicating entry results

*Pictures on the entry page are not required, although many students do add some (either hand drawn, or computer images). Again, they are not required, but can add to the overall presentation.

*Send in to: Ebert's Greenhouse Village W 1795 Fox Rd. Ixonia WI 53036 ATTN: Renee Ebert, OR teachers may bring them in marked -"Earth Day Writing Challenge" ATTN: Renee Ebert post marked or received by Wednesday April 16th

*Feel free to email any questions.....rebert@ebertsgreenhouse.com           

Contest Timeline:

*Ongoing now through Wednesday April 16th

*Wednesday April 16th all poems and Essays due

*Winners notified by the following week on Earth Day (April 22nd)

*Winners pick up their awards either Saturday April 26th or Sunday April 27th at Ebert's Greenhouse Village as a time will be set up upon winner notification.

Winner's Award Kit: An award kit will be given out to the top three winners of each the poetry and essay divisions. We encourage teachers to give recognition to any winners they may have in their class, by sharing the information in their school/classroom newsletters! We will take a picture, and recognize the winners on our Ebert's website, newsletter and social media, with parental permission.

Awards will include:

* Award certificate, laminated copy of entry to keep

*Cash awards for each division: First place $20-Second place $15-Third place $10

*A coupon to pick out a complimentary 4.5" plant

*an upcycled kitchen garden kit to take home and plant

We are so excited to read the entries! Thank you for taking part in this challenge and your continued support of Ebert's Greenhouse Village! Good luck to all participants and have fun!