Morro Bay National Estuary Program is excited to announce the State of the Bay Haiku Contest, January 1 – February 3, 2014. Using the haiku form, entrants are encouraged to find inspiration in our local wildlife, landscape, and sea life and a write poem about the Morro Bay estuary. Originated from Japan, haiku is most often used as a celebration of nature using a common structure of three lines and 17 syllables (5-7-5) to create a short poem.
This contest is open to students in grades 7th through 12th, and adults 18 years and older at the time of entry. Each entrant may enter up to three haikus. One winner from each age category will be selected and awarded a prize. The winning haikus will be printed in the “State of the Bay” report, and other Estuary Program publications. Runners up will also be recognized, and awarded a Certificate of Participation.
There are three volunteer judges: Evelyn Cole, MA, MFA, Kevin Patrick Sullivan, and Adrienne Harris. Evelyn writes poetry because she has to and whether life delights or breaks her heart. Kevin is a past Poet Laureate for the City of San Luis Obispo. Adrienne, Executive Director of Morro Bay National Estuary Program, enjoys writing fiction and non-fiction outside of work.
State of the Bay is a series of events planned for April 2014 where the public is invited to celebrate and learn about the health of Morro Bay, as well as local wildlife, sea life, and the sensitive estuarine environment. Activities include the haiku contest, “State of the Bay” report presentation, guided hiking tours, family activities, a dog-friendly event, and more in and around Morro Bay. The “State of the Bay” report is a science-based assessment of the health of Morro Bay and the Morro Bay watershed. The report presents the results of five years of data and research on water quality, sedimentation, bird populations, eelgrass monitoring, and many other aspects of bay health. State of the Bay is made possible by a grant from the Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust.
The complete Official Rules and instructions for how to enter the State of the Bay Haiku Contest are found on the homepage of www.mbnep.org. For answers to questions about this contest or State of the Bay, please contact Kathryn Winfrey, Communications and Development Coordinator, at (805) 772-3834 x13 or [email protected].
Morro Bay National Estuary Program is a non-regulatory, non-profit organization that brings together citizens, local government, non-profits, agencies, and landowners to protect and restore the Morro Bay Estuary for people and wildlife. The Estuary Program conducts monitoring and research, restores natural habitats, and educates residents and visitors on how to keep Morro Bay clean and healthy.