SACRAMENTO – Two statewide contests are being held to celebrate California Arbor Week, March 7-14, a statewide celebration of trees.

These contests are designed to increase awareness of and appreciation for the trees and forests in the communities where Californians live, work and play.

Winners will be featured at the State Fair and awarded cash prizes.

Third, fourth and fifth grade students throughout California are invited to participate in the California Arbor Week Poster Contest.

The contest, titled “Growing Happy Communities” is designed to increase the student’s knowledge of the important roles of trees and the many benefits they provide to our communities.

In addition to contest rules and entry forms, the contest information packet includes curriculum for three lessons.

Entries are due by Feb. 1. Sponsors include: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, California Community Forests Foundation, and California ReLeaf.

All Californians are invited to participate in the inaugural year of the California Arbor Week Photography Contest.

The contest is designed to highlight the broad diversity of tree species, settings and landscapes throughout our state, in locations urban and rural, large and small.

Photographs may be entered in two categories: My Favorite California Tree or Trees Where I Live. Entries are due by March 31.

Contest information packets can be downloaded at www.arborweek.org.

California Arbor Week runs March 7-14 every year to mark famed horticulturist Luther Burbank’s birthday.

Last year, legislation was passed to define California Arbor Week in statute.

California ReLeaf is raising money to fund tree-planting initiatives and support local organization for 2012’s celebration.

Visit www.arborweek.org for more information.