The West Haven Land Trust is pleased to announce its annual student poetry contest and invite all West Haven students in grades K–12 to participate in a creative celebration of nature and the local shoreline.
The contest encourages young writers to explore and express their appreciation for the natural beauty of their surroundings. Students are invited to write original poems inspired by themes such as coastal landscapes, shells and shorelines, meadows and marshes, trees and wildlife, sunsets over Long Island Sound, birds, tides, dunes, forests, the night sky, and the moon. Organizers hope the contest will spark imagination while fostering a deeper connection to the environment.
To enter, students should submit a hard copy of their poem to their English teacher. Each submission must clearly include the student’s name, grade, and school. The deadline for all entries is April 6, 2026.
Winning poems will be featured on West Haven’s Poetry Post along the Savin Rock Boardwalk, offering young authors a unique opportunity to share their work with the broader community. In addition, selected students will receive special recognition at the Land Trust’s annual “Poet-TREE” awards ceremony.
Through this initiative, the West Haven Land Trust aims to inspire environmental awareness, creativity, and community pride among local students while celebrating the natural treasures that make West Haven unique.
For more information, please contact landtrustwesthaven@gmail.com.