Smokey Bear Poster Contest

The annual Smokey Bear Poster Contest hosted by Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest began in 2023 to promote wildfire prevention in the local area and connect Smokey Bear’s message to the role the North Carolina Forest Service plays as the leading wildfire prevention agency in the state. North Carolina students residing in southeastern counties of the state (Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Cumberland, Duplin, New Hanover, Pender, Robeson and Sampson) are invited to participate. Students will demonstrate their understanding of wildfire prevention and its connection to the North Carolina Forest Service through their original artwork of Smokey Bear and incorporation of elements from the North Carolina Forest Service. Submissions will be accepted from any school-aged students belonging to independent school districts, homeschools, youth programs, scout groups and other informal education or youth organizations.

2024 Contest Announcement     

Deadline: Sept. 27, 2024

Past Winners

•   2023 Contest Winners
The mission of the North Carolina Forest Service is to protect, manage and promote forest resources for the citizens of North Carolina. Each year the agency chooses a theme, and for 2023, the theme was “What can we do for you?” which highlighted how the Forest Service serves the public. Students were tasked with creating a poster to showcase one or more of the services offered by the North Carolina Forest Service.


Elementary School Winner
Mason from Emereau: Bladen Charter School







Middle School Winner
Mario from Cape Fear Middle School







High School Winner
Myron from Heide Trask High School