WASHINGTON, DC—Working for the Forest Service, we all know the importance of the messages Smokey and Woodsy share. We’re devoted to maintaining forests and grasslands for present and future generations. That “future” is key: We need to make sure that the next generation knows who Smokey and Woodsy are and, more importantly, what they stand for.

That’s why the annual poster contest sponsored by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. is so important. It asks young people from grades one through five to share their artistic interpretations of these messages.

Posters are submitted to local garden clubs each year before heading to the regional and state levels. National finalists are shared with the Forest Service. That’s where you come in. These kids have put in time and effort on these posters, and it shows.

You can help reward that effort, and show these kids that we care about their messages, by taking a few minutes to vote for the national winner. You have until July 1 to vote. Show you care about nurturing the next generation by using this online form to submit your vote. It will take less than five minutes of your day. Where else will you get the opportunity to see so many suns in the upper right corner, smiling mountains or uniform trees?

Follow the form link to get a smile in your day and vote for your favorite.