Earth Day is a time for remembering our connection with the natural world around us. It is a time to celebrate the beauty and importance of open spaces, clean skies, fresh water, and the diversity of all forms of life.

     The theme of this year's Earth Day poster contest, sponsored by the Escondido Citizens' Ecological Committee and the City of Escondido, returns to these original purposes of the April event. This year's 17th Annual Earth Day poster theme asks students to "Spend time outdoors in a natural setting.  Take a really close look at what's around you.  Focus on something most people might never notice if they were in a hurry.  Show what makes this small piece of nature special to you."

     We are hoping that this theme gets the students to slow down, and take a break from their urbanized existence, in order to really notice the world of nature around them. Studies have shown that such an experience actually reduces stress and improves the physical and emotional health of human beings. Students may then depict something special that they observe as they spend time.

       We believe that students will learn about some of the fantastic open spaces that exist in their own community. These include Daley Ranch, the Elfin Forest Preserve, Dixon Lake, Kit Carson Park, Lake Wohlford, and the San Pasqual Valley including Lake Hodges. But we also know that students may go into the local park, school ground, or even their back yard to discover nature. Where ever they go for their experience the time they spend is a "win" for them and for our community.

     The poster contest is open to all students in the Escondido area from kindergarten to eighth grade. Both public and private schools get involved. Judges include members of the ECEC board as well as Escondido Mayor Lori Pfeiler.  Each teacher may submit two posters from the class, and these will be on display in the upstairs children's section of the main Escondido public library. The top ten posters in the three categories-- 30 total-- will be chosen by the judges. These students and their families and their teachers will be invited to a special ceremony at the City Council meeting on May 3 at 4 pm. All will be honored with ribbons and gifts. The first place winners will also receive a $100 savings bond from ECEC. Teachers of the three winners receive a gift certificate from ECEC. The meeting is televised on local cable. For the next few weeks the winning 30 posters will be on display at the Escondido Children's Museum at the Center for the Arts.

     ECEC members who help with the poster contest include Rick Mercurio, Jerry Harmon, Jack Pomeroy, Jack Paxton, and Niel Lynch.