The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has officially kicked off its much-anticipated 20th annual “Create a Watershed Superhero” poster contest, inviting middle school students to channel their creativity and environmental passion into designing their own superhero.

This year’s theme aims to inspire young minds to become champions of environmental stewardship and guardians of their watersheds.

“DEC is excited to launch the 20th ‘Create a Watershed Superhero’ poster contest, which for two decades has helped inspire New York’s next generation of environmental stewards,” stated Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar. He emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying, “DEC’s annual poster contest encourages young people across New York State to become guardians of their watersheds and reminds all New Yorkers of the everyday actions each of us can take to protect and conserve precious water resources.”

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Khris Dodson, Executive Director of the New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA), echoed Mahar’s sentiments, expressing pride in the contest’s impact. “This poster contest is one of the things that makes NYWEA members proud of what we do,” Dodson remarked. “I am even more proud of all of the Watershed Superheroes we now have because of the involvement of the students and teachers who have participated throughout the years.”

Since its inception in 2004, the poster contest has engaged thousands of middle school students across New York State, educating them about their vital role in protecting local watersheds and conserving water resources for future generations. This marks the fourth year that the superhero theme has been featured, with previous themes including “We All Live in a Watershed,” “Conserve and Protect our Watersheds,” and “The Importance of Wastewater Treatment.”

Teachers, schools, and clubs interested in participating in the 2024-25 school year contest are encouraged to visit the DEC’s website for more information. The deadline for poster submissions is January 3, 2025, and the 14 winning entries will be showcased in the DEC and NYWEA’s 2026 Annual Calendar.

The poster contest serves not only as a creative outlet for students but also as a tool to raise awareness about the critical importance of natural resources and the DEC’s ongoing efforts to manage water pollution and enhance water quality. Through watershed programs, many lakes and rivers are preserved and restored, ensuring that these vital resources remain healthy for generations to come.