2026 Arbor Day Poster Contest asks Mankato elementary school students to embrace creative side

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - The City of Mankato says applications are officially open for the 2026 Arbor Day Poster Contest.

Kids in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade will be able to submit hand drawn posters with any design as long as it incorporates this year’s theme, “Growing a Better Tomorrow Together.”

Justin Lundborg, a natural resource specialist for the city, says the three winners for the contest will win a prize bag, a post on the city’s social media and a tree that will be planted in their honor during Mankato’s annual Arbor Day festivities.

The city breaks the competition into three categories: Kindergarten and 1st Grade, 2nd and 3rd Grade, and 4th and 5th Grade.

Submissions can be made on 8.5 by 11-inch paper, or on 11 by 17-inch paper, and drawn with whatever tools the kids have available.

“Be as creative as you want to, it’s a great way to practice your drawing and maybe win a little prize pack and have a tree planted in your honor,” Lundborg said.

Submissions must come with the artist’s name, grade and their parent or guardian’s contact information.

The city says kids have until April 3 to submit their poster design in person, by mail to the Intergovernmental Center (10 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, MN) or via email at communications@mankatomn.gov.

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