May 10, 2006

Contact: Charles G. Sturcken (718) 595-6600

PRESS ADVISORY

DEP and National Audubon Society Announce Winners of City-Wide Art and Poetry Contest

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the National Audubon Society will announce winners of the 20th Annual Water Conservation Art & Poetry Contest on Thursday, May 11.  The ceremony recognizes 5th and 6th  grade students whose artwork and poems exhibit a superior understanding and appreciation of our water resources.

The event is hosted by DEP and will include comments from guest speakers, including a member of the National Audubon Society that is a co-sponsor of the ceremony.  About 700 students, parents, teachers, administrators and invited guests are expected to attend.  Winning entries will be displayed.

Every year, DEP asks 5th and 6th  grade students from more than 1,000 public, private and parochial schools throughout the City to submit original works of art and poetry that address themes related to the City’s drinking water system, water conservation, water quality, wastewater treatment, and urban wildlife.  Entries are judged on their originality, craftsmanship and creativity.  Winners from each borough in both the art and the poetry categories receive prizes.

A similar Art and Poetry Water Conservation contest was held at Pace University in Pleasantville, New York  on May 9th to honor the 7th and 8th grade winners of the Watershed Art and Poetry Contest.