Derek Disanza entered the 2026 annual New Jersey Conservation Poster Contest with a winning idea. A love of nature and a passion for drawing helped him to create the poster selected as the winner for the 2nd-3rd grade category at the local Soil Conservation District level.
The New Jersey Conservation Poster Contest provides students in second through twelfth grade an opportunity to convey their thoughts about soil, water and related natural resource issues through art. Winners from the local level move on the state wide competition coordinated by the New Jersey Association of Conservation Districts. The poster contest theme follows the annual Stewardship Theme. The theme for 2026 was Soil. Where it all begins.
For the design, Derek started with the different layers of soil and then added important environmental facts along the way. The finished poster shares information about soil, air, food for animals, and the important ways trees help people and nature. It took about three hours to complete the poster. Drawing is something Derek especially enjoys, with foxes and axolotls being favorite subjects.
Derek believes protecting the environment is important because plants and trees provide oxygen, while bugs and bacteria help create healthy soil that supports animals and ecosystems. At home and at school, Derek helps by planting and watering a garden, recycling, turning off unnecessary lights and water, picking up trash, and caring for nearby plants and animals.
That love and respect for nature began at home. Derek credits his mother for reading I Love the Earth by Todd Parr many times and teaching him from a young age to respect and love nature.
Through creativity and a strong understanding of the natural world, this young artist has shown that even one poster can help inspire others to care for the environment. Like Derek, you can bring conservation to life through art! We ask that teachers consider this opportunity and encourage your students to participate in the Annual NJ Conservation Poster Contest through your local Soil Conservation District.