Roots, Wings & Wild Things
2026 Youth Poetry & Photography Contest
Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary Through Nature

We're excited to share that submissions are now open for Roots, Wings & Wild Things, a free youth poetry and photography contest co-hosted by the Garden Club of Lake Ridge and the Prince William Art Society in celebration of America's 250th anniversary!

Whether you're a parent, teacher, scout leader, or homeschool this is a wonderful, free creative project for the young people in your life.

Contest at a Glance

• Who: Youth in grades K–12

• Categories: Original Nature Poetry (up to 24 lines) or Original Photography

• Entry Fee: FREE

• Judged in 4 grade divisions: K–2, 3–5, 6–8, 9–12

• Awards: Ribbons/certificates for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place per division, plus a People's Choice award

Deadline: Thursday, October 15, 2026

What to Submit

• Poetry: An original poem (any style — haiku, free verse, acrostic, or rhyming) inspired by nature, home, or freedom

• Photography: An original nature photo taken entirely by the child of roots, wings, local wildlife, or landscapes. Basic crops/color edits are fine; no AI-generated elements or composites.

• A signed parent/guardian consent form must accompany every entry

• How to Submit: Email your poem and/or photograph along with the completed entry and signed consent form, to gardencluboflakeridge@gmail.com

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DOWNLOAD THE CONTEST ENTRY FORM

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