Turtle Art Contest for Children

The DEP Wildlife Division is sponsoring an Turtle Art Contest for Kids as part of its program "2011 Year of the Turtle." Students may enter an original drawing, painting, or sketch of a turtle native to Connecticut. 

• Entries will be judged in three categories: K-1st grade, 2nd-3rd grade, and 4th-5th grade.
• Prizes will be awarded in each category for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and honorable mention. Prizes include a family pass to the Connecticut Science Center, publication of the art in Connecticut Wildlife magazine and books and guides about turtles.

• All entries will be displayed at the Sessions Woods Conservation Education Center, in Burlington, for Year of the Turtle Day, scheduled for June 26, 2011, from 1:00-4:00 PM.
• Full details and entry information are available on the official entry form (PDF) or by calling the Wildlife Division at 860-675-8130 (Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM).

The Friends of Sessions Woods Paul Petersen Memorial Fund is supporting the Turtle Art Contest for Kids.

Connecticut's Native Turtle Species:

Bog Turtle

Spotted Turtle

Common Musk Turtle

Wood Turtle

Common Snapping Turtle

Atlantic Green Sea Turtle

Eastern Box Turtle

Atlantic Ridley Sea Turtle

Northern Diamondback Terrapin

Leatherback Sea Turtle

Painted Turtle

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

The next event to celebrate the Year of the Turtle is Sunday, April 10 at 1 p.m. at Sessions Woods. The Children’s Museum Education Director and Master Wildlife Conservationist Cindy King will present an informative program on turtles.

King will bring live turtles for the audience to view as she provides information on this diverse and unique group of reptiles. Turtles have been on Earth for more than 200 million years! How have they been able to survive and what does the future hold for turtles and other reptiles?  A potluck dessert extravaganza will precede the presentation at 12:30 p.m. Please bring a dessert to share.

Suitable for all ages. Registration is appreciated, but not required (860-675-8130, Mon-Fri, from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM).

Location: Sessions Woods Conservation Education Center, 341 Milford St., Burlington, CT 06013