The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will sponsor a youth art contest to promote awareness of plant and animal invaders that threaten our state’s native species, as part of the 2015 California Invasive Species Action Week (CISAW), June 6-14.

Now in its second year, the CISAW aims to promote public participation in the fight against invasive species and their impacts on our natural resources.

CDFW partners with federal agencies, state departments, and numerous local organizations and volunteer groups to host and promote public participation in locally organized events held across the state.

The 2015 schedule of events will include invasive species removal efforts, native habitat restoration projects, youth educational activities, citizen science monitoring efforts and the second annual youth art contest, with the theme “Don’t be a vector! Be a protector!”

The contest encourages youths to learn about invasive species vectors, which are the physical means by which invasive species are moved from one place to another.

Youths are asked to think of a situation in which invasive species could be spread, identify the vector that can move it and illustrate what they can do to prevent the spread and protect California’s resources.

Please visit the Action Week Web page ( www.wildlife.ca.gov/cisaw ) to learn about vectors and for contest details and entry forms.

All types of media are accepted, including drawings, paintings, animations, comic strips, videos and public service announcements.

The contest is open to youths in grades 2-12. Entries must include a completed entry form and be received by May 27.

The contest is sponsored by the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom.

For more information on Action Week, including hosting an event, how to get involved, or the youth art contest, please contact CDFW Environmental Scientist Valerie Cook Fletcher at 916-654-4267 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .