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Tucson’s River of Words

Tucson’s River of Words combines the sciences and arts in a truly unique experience to promote stewardship of our natural resources. By connecting students to the natural world through environmental and art education, the program encourages students to take responsibility for conserving water. Program participants receive 1 hour of in-class instruction from environmental educators about watershed and water conservation and 1 hour of instruction on either poetry writing or mixed-media art. Students are instructed by professional poets and artists on how to express their scientific understandings of watersheds and water conservation through original works of poetry and art. After completing the program, students are encouraged to submit their work to the Tucson’s River of Words Youth Poetry and Art Contest.

Tucson’s River of Words Youth Poetry and Art Contest entries are accepted anytime. The submission deadline for the 2009 contest is February 1, 2009. School groups, home school students and other youth groups are welcome to participate.

To schedule instruction on watersheds and water conservation and poetry and mixed media art, contact (520) 615-7855 Ext. 101 or email eeducation@pima.gov

For more information about the contest and classroom presentation, or for a contest entry form, click here.

Tucson’s River of Words Youth Poetry and Art Contest is a collaborative effort between Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation, the Tucson-Pima Arts Council, The Tucson Children’s Museum and several other community partners. It is also the local affiliate of the National River of Words contest based out of Berkley, California.

To view past and present contest award winners

2008 Tucson's River of Words Youth Poetry and Art Contest

2007 Tucson’s River of Words Youth Poetry and Art Contest

2006 Tucson’s River of Words Youth Poetry and Art Contest