AUGUSTA — As Earth Day approaches, the Natural Resources Council of Maine is inviting Maine elementary school age kids to create images of a pollution-free world, in honor of Earth Day and Rachel Carson’s contribution to a cleaner environment.

The artworks may be in two colors and up to 8.5  by 11 inches and will be featured in a slide show on NRCM’s website, www.nrcm.org. In addition, artwork submitted will automatically be considered for use as an image on a T-shirt for NRCM’s 5K and kid’s fun run event in October, to honor the anniversary of the publication of the book, “Silent Spring.” The event, dubbed “Rachel’s Run and Kids’ Fun,” will raise funds for and awareness about NRCM’s ongoing work to keep toxic chemicals out of Maine’s air, water, wildlife and forests.

“Silent Spring,” by Rachel Carson, helped launch the environmental movement and changed society by illustrating the connection of human beings with all other life around us. Carson demonstrated the effects of dangerous chemicals, most notably the pesticide DDT, on the environment, particularly on birds. Bald eagles and other species suffered huge population declines as a result of this poison.

Submissions for the Earth Day slide show may be mailed or dropped off, by the end of April, to the Natural Resources Council of Maine, 3 Wade St, Augusta, ME 04330. Alternatively, photographs of the artwork, or questions about the event, may be emailed to Stacie Haines, shaines@nrcm.org. The Natural Resources Council of Maine will offer the school with the most participants a $100 gift card for art supplies.

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