Federated Garden Clubs of Vermont Announces 2026 Smokey Bear Poster Contest State Winner

A third-grade student at Orchard School in South Burlington has received top honors in the state's Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl Poster Contest, entitled "Only You Can Prevent Wildfires: Lend a Hand, Care for the Land." Karen Villanti, representing the Burlington Garden Club, serves as the club's Smokey Bear Chairperson. Twenty students participated by designing posters that highlight important environmental safety practices. The winning entry will advance to the New England Garden Clubs competition, where it will be judged alongside submissions from six New England states.

Smokey Bear has served as a national emblem for wildfire prevention since 1944. In 1977, Woodsy Owl joined as an advocate for increased environmental awareness. Together, they promote individual responsibility in safeguarding our lands and wildlife. The Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl Poster Contest remains a longstanding annual event, engaging elementary schools, scout troops, and youth organizations nationwide.

Winning poster