Species on the Edge

Art + Essay Contest

The Species on the Edge Art + Essay Contest empowers fifth grade students to advocate for an at-risk wildlife species through a well-researched, creative essay and original art piece. Students must choose a species that is listed as endangered, threatened or special concern in the State of New Jersey. A complete list of acceptable species can be found in the contest kit or by clicking below.

The contest is free and open to all New Jersey fifth graders. All entries must follow guidelines listed in the contest kit.

New for 2026! Species of special concern are now included in the contest! 

One winner is selected from each New Jersey county. Each winner will see their art featured in a beautiful calendar; have their art exhibited at venues across New Jersey; celebrate with an awards ceremony; and enjoy a trip to Sedge Island, where a unique natural resource education center is located in the middle of Barnegat Bay and home to New Jersey’s only marine conservation zone.

Deadline Feb. 27th, 2026

More information at: https://conservewildlifenj.org/education/edge/