Invasive species contest seeks eco-influencers

News release

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announces the 10th annual California Invasive Species Youth Art and Video Contest. This year’s theme, “Think Ahead; Stop the Spread,” encourages students to research ways to prevent the spread and impacts of invasive species and promote actions to protect the environment.

“The big news for this year’s contest is that we’re accepting video entries,” said Elizabeth Brusati, an environmental scientist with CDFW’s Invasive Species Program. “This year’s theme is an opportunity for students to combine science with artistic expression while learning about an important environmental issue.”

Invasive species affect all regions of California and can be spread in many ways, often by humans. CDFW promotes the contest as a way of encouraging students to think about actions to help stop the spread of invasive species such as cleaning recreational gear, planting non-invasive plants and learning about negative impacts of releasing unwanted pets into the wild.

The contest is offered by CDFW’s Invasive Species Program in conjunction with California Invasive Species Action Week, June 3-11.

The art contest has three age divisions for youth in grades 2-4, 5-8 and 9-12. All types of art are welcome and

Courtesy photo encouraged, including (but not limited to): drawings, paintings and comic strips. Entries must reflect the 2023 theme: “Think Ahead; Stop the Spread.” The top three winners in each division will have entries announced on CDFW’s social media. All entrants will receive a certificate of participation. The new video portion, open to grades 5-12, allows students to submit a 60-second video on the theme. Winning videos will be posted on CDFW’s YouTube channel. The deadline for contest entries is May 1. All entries must be submitted electronically. Submission instructions can be found on CDFW’s Invasive Species Program

Entries are now being accepted for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s 10th annual California Invasive Species Youth Art and Video Contest.

Know Continued from B1 cancellations and price increases, leading to homeowner stress, confusion and frustration. The council has pulled together local industry experts to provide valuable information to help ensure homes and property are safely insured.

The Blues & Bourbon weekly series at The Starlet Room above Harlow’s in Sacramento has begun. Check out the following acts: Red’s Blues with Robert Sidewell & Sid Morris (March 8), Chrissie O’Dell & The Real Deal (March 15), Vanessa Collier (March 19) and Mitch Woods Rocket 88s (March 29). For more information visit harlows.com.

March 9 website.

The goal of California Invasive Species Action Week is to increase public awareness of invasive species issues and encourage public participation in the fight against California’s invasive species and their impacts on the state’s natural resources and biodiversity.

The mission of CDFW’s Invasive Species Program is to reduce the impacts of invasive species on the wildlands and waterways of California. The program is involved in efforts to prevent the introduction of these species into the state, detect and respond to introductions when they occur, and prevent the spread of those species that have established.

Learn more about the Creative Corps Capital Region program where artists and creative practitioners partner with local governments, tribes, and nonprofits to engage their local communities. For more information visit artsandcultureeldorado.org.

Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom presents National Geographic Live! Keith Ladzinski – Force of Nature at 7:30 p.m. Ladzinski, adventure photographer and filmmaker, is renowned for his ability to get the shot in some of the world’s most inaccessible and inhospitable environments. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

20-May 20). You’re not afraid to take action, but you’re mindful of the other players. You’ll follow protocol to be sure you don’t disrespect anyone. The task is not worth doing if it hurts feelings along the way. You make a point to lift others.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Are there winners and losers? Maybe. Or maybe it’s all how you frame it. These games will rely entirely on perspective. You’ll feel at liberty to look at things in a number of ways and find the perspective that most empowers you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The more you value yourself, the more others will value you. You’ll spend money on making yourself feel better. Investing in yourself will be a way of paying respect and showing gratitude for the physical vehicle of your body and mind.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You have been blocking a chaotic element out of your life. Through the years, you learned to do this so automatically you no longer realize it’s a choice, but something will happen today to help you appreciate how you’ve learned to manage life’s realities.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The stressors in your life will come to bear on your ability to resist temptation. The best way to stick to your plans for yourself is to reduce your stress through exercise or meditation. Tonight, you’ll express yourself and you will be copied, which is a high form of flattery.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Replenish your energy with time in the sun. Fresh air and the warm light on your skin will be crucial to your well-being. Tonight, you’ll be as effective as you are organized. Make a list and check it twice so nothing falls through the cracks.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You look forward to spending time with a certain someone. These small interactions are part of an important pattern. You sense correctly that there’s a mutual value gleaned in the exchange.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Things cannot improve while staying the same. The status quo will be disrupted, and this is part of the process. You will drop your resistance to life’s flow. You’ll move fluidly, adjusting to new people and environments.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You can still accomplish your most serious work while in a playful state. You’ll be around people who bring out a fun side of you and make you feel sharper and more alive. This kind of energetic match doesn’t come around every day, so enjoy!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your feelings are valid. Maybe you are not having the emotion you would prefer, but it’s not like you get to choose. The feelings come up and then they dissipate. Good or bad, they are fleeting. There is nothing to be afraid of.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There is too much to know in this world for one person to have it all figured out. You’re eager to learn and up for challenge. The old saying applies:

“If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”