Event Information

Nature Quest Art Contest 2026 – Calling All Youth ARTISTS!

Prince George’s County residents 18 years old and under you are cordially invited to enter this year’s Nature Quest Art Contest!

This year’s theme is: Maryland’s Native Nature!

Explore your backyard, a local park, or other outdoor environments and tell your nature story by drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, or poetry. Highlight plants, animals, and habitats that are native to the state of Maryland such as the Baltimore Oriole, Maryland Blue Crab, Eastern Box Turtle, White tailed deer, Red fox, Chesapeake Bay, Appalachian Mountains, Assateague Island, White oak tree, Black-eyed Susan, Wild Bergamot, and Eastern Red Columbine. 

2026 Nature Quest Dates:

Submissions Open: July 1 – November 2, 2025

DEADLINE for Submission: Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 11:59pm

Entries must be received by no later than Sunday, November 2, 2025

Eligibility Requirements:

• This contest is open to Prince George’s County residents that are 18 years old and under. No purchase is necessary.
• Entries must be inspired by nature.

• Content of the work must be original. Use of another artist’s work is not eligible.
• You may enter as many categories as you want!

Award Categories

Elementary School: K – Grade 6

Middle School: Grades 7 – 9

High School: Grades 10 – 12

Questions?
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Shaiday Dancy at shaiday.dancy@pgparks.com

The 2025 Nature Quest Art Contest is a program of The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission, Department of Parks & Recreation, Prince George’s County, Arts and Cultural Heritage Division.