Pictured, from left, are second grader Jaquelin Garcia, art teacher Pat Hopper and third grader Nicabec Casido. Photo courtesy of Marilyn Gunther.

LAKE COUNTY – Clear Lake Trowel & Trellis Garden Club sponsors a Smokey Bear poster contest for local youth to help teach them about fire prevention and basic environmental conservation principles.

CLTTGC member and art teacher Pat Hopper has taught art at Lakeport Elementary School to Marilyn Guenther’s second grade class for 10 years. Each student is given a Smokey Bear coloring book; then with a poster paper and crayons, the students free hand draw Smokey Bear, color their poster and, most important, write: “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.”

Taking first place this year for the second grade level and second place for California Garden Club Inc. is Jaquelin Garcia, a student in Guenther's class.

Winning first place in the third grade division and honorable mention for California Garden Club Inc. is Nicabec Casido, who is in Jackie Akins' class.

First, second, third and honorable mention are chosen from all the students’ posters.

First place is sent to California Garden Club Inc. and then that first place winner is sent on to the national level.

The grand prize national poster contest winner will win a free round trip airfare and accommodations for four to Washington, DC.

The first place national winners from each grade level will each receive a $100 US Savings Bond.

Smokey Bear is recognized nationally and internationally as the symbol for fire prevention. You've seen him dressed in a ranger's hat and blue jeans and carrying a shovel. The original Smokey Bear appeared in 1944.

Smokey's message, “Remember, Only You can prevent wildfires,” is one that children have heard for many years. It is encouraging personal responsibility for fire prevention. Smokey Bear teaches children and adults to be careful with campfires, barbecues, trash fires and matches.

The US Forestry keeps a record of the number of schools, youth organizations and students the garden clubs reach within each state. The agency invests tax payer money in keeping this partnership alive. The clubs need to help them justify the use of these funds by providing an estimate of outreach efforts with the Smokey Bear poster contest.

Clear Lake Trowel & Trellis Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of the month, September through May, at the Scotts Valley Women’s Clubhouse, 2298 Hendricks Road in Lakeport.

Annual dues are $20 per person.

CLTTGC is a member of Mendo-Lake District, California Garden Club Inc., Pacific Region and National Garden Clubs Inc.

For more information visit www.clttgc.org.