The Rain Barrel Challenge, an annual art competition with an environmental theme, is open to schools and youth organizations within the Barnegat Bay watershed. The competition offers students and youth group members a way to creatively express their appreciation for the bay through rain barrel art. The Rain Barrel Challenge aims to educate young people about the Barnegat Bay and its 660-square mile watershed, and engage them in stewardship of its amazing natural resources.
This year’s theme is “Earth Day – Celebrating 50 Years of Protecting Our Planet!” On the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, people came together to support protection of the environment, and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection was established on the same date. Help us celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day by depicting on your 2020 barrel the importance of protecting the special habitats of the Barnegat Bay.
For important details about the 2020 Rain Barrel Challenge, download the packet of information, which includes the forms you’ll need to enter and the competition timeline. Be sure to submit the initial Registration Form to participate, which is due by January 8, 2020. If you have any questions, email or call Karen Walzer (kwalzer@ocean.edu, 732-255-0472 x 2).
In 2011, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection partnered with the New Jersey Clean Communities Council and SUEZ Water to establish the Barnegat Bay Blitz Rain Barrel Challenge. In 2020, the Barnegat Bay Partnership is taking the lead for organizing the Rain Barrel Challenge with their assistance and support.
We hope you can participate this year, and we’re looking forward to seeing the creative artwork on the rain barrels entered in 2020.
