Students in grades four to eight can learn about New Jersey’s native fish by participating in the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife’s 2009 Native Fish Art and Writing Contest.
Participants must research and write a short story about a year in the life of any native New Jersey fish—fresh or saltwater.
The story must include biological and ecological information such as the fish’s habits and habitat, food, etc. Then, using their artistic skills, students must draw a scene from the short story.
First and second place winners from each grade level will receive a fishing rod and reel and a certificate. First place winners will also receive a youth membership in Trout Unlimited.
All winners will be invited to attend a special luncheon and awards ceremony at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center on the Opening Day of Trout Season, April 11.
Prior to the luncheon, students will also have the opportunity to fish in the Pequest Fishing Education Pond.
Entries for the Fish Art and Writing contest must be received by March 9. Creative writing and originality are strongly encouraged.
For more information, see njfishandwildlife.com/fishart.htm.
