The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) held its 11^th annual poetry contest this spring to celebrate Clean Air Month. Third, fourth and fifth grade students across Wisconsin completed activities from DNR’s Air, Air Everywhere teacher’s activity guide and wrote poems and riddles inspired by what they learned about Wisconsin’s air. 

“Clean Air Month would not be complete without our annual poetry contest,” said Gail Good, acting Environmental Management Division Administrator. “We love seeing how students are inspired by clean air – they are so creative and imaginative.”

The DNR would like to announce that Naomi Tost, who is homeschooled but also attends Maple Park Charter School in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, took first place in this year’s competition. Congratulations, Naomi!  Here is her winning poem:

Air

Air
A playful kitten
Chasing the leaves
Fresh and clean
Whoosh!
Is the sound of tickled noses

Kitty chases the kite
Up, up, up
Then down
Down, down

She ruffles the red leaves
And off they go
Falling to the ground

She kisses the sea
Making waves
That splash
And roll
With kitten's paws

She bats the clouds
With her tail
Sending them off
To the other cats
Across the sky
Whooshhh!

For more information on the Air, Air Everywhere guide and to view the runners-up from Janesville and Warrens, visit the poetry contest webpage on the DNR’s website. Educators may order the Air, Air Everywhere guide by sending their name and mailing address to DNRAirEducation@wi.gov.