By Bonnie Chasteen - The annual contest raises awareness of Missouri’s lesser-known plants and animals.

Jefferson City, MO - infoZine - Ever hear of the wood frog? What about the ringed salamander? Few people have, but Missourians will get to learn about these and other lesser-known creatures of the Show-Me State in the coming year, thanks to artists in grades kindergarten through 12 who entered the 2009 Endangered Species Postcard Contest.

The wood frog and the ringed salamander are among several plants and animals that are disappearing from Missouri’s upland forests, the only places in the state that provide them suitable habitat.

To help Missouri children learn about the endangered species of Missouri’s upland forest habitat, the Missouri Department of Conservation invited young Missourians to create postcard designs featuring these species of conservation concern. More than 2,800 students from across the state created postcards depicting the theme, “Upland forest habitat—we gotta have it!” Schools sent in their pupils’ best efforts—a total of 475 cards—for judging.

Judges selected winners in each of six age groups. Ben Walworth of Branson won first place for grades kindergarten through second, and Sarah Wieberg of Westphalia won in grades three and four. Alayna Clayman of Chesterfield took the top prize for grades five and six , and Clayton Kempker of Westphalia won in grades seven and eight. Katie Blake of Clark took first place for grades nine and 10, and Melissa Bivens of Galena won in grades 11 and 12.

“Many students learned about Missouri’s endangered species and the importance of sustaining healthy habitats,” said Department of Conservation Graphic Designer Marci Porter, the contest’s coordinator. “A lot of teachers really took advantage of the educational opportunities tied to this contest, which is what we ultimately hope for.”

The Conservation Department could not give every contestant a prize, but it displayed all 475 entries in the lobby of the agency’s office at 2901 W. Truman Blvd. in Jefferson City Nov. 9 through 18. The agency’s website will feature the top 10 finalists from each age category until next year’s contest.

The six first-place winners will be reproduced as postcard sets and sold through Conservation Department Nature Shops. For more information, visit www.MissouriConservation.org/4151 or call Marci Porter at 573-522-4115, ext. 3236.