River of Words (ROW), a non-profit organization, was founded in 1995 by then-US Poet Laureate Robert Hass and writer Pamela Michael. Every year, in affiliation with The Library of Congress Center for the Book, an international poetry and art contest is conducted for children in grades K-12. River of Words is an arts and environmental education program that:

•    nurtures respect for and understanding of the natural world
•    promotes literacy in all its forms
•    trains teachers how to integrate the arts into core curriculum subjects
•    gives youth a forum for expressing their creativity and concerns
•    helps children develop a sense of belonging to a particular place
•    builds community partnerships
•    leverages existing resources in support of education
•    facilitates interdisciplinary teaching methods
•    distributes, publishes and displays children's art & poetry
•    publishes an Educator's Guide and curriculum support materials

Each April, eight US winners, one international winner, and a "ROW Teacher of the Year" are honored (during National Poetry Month) at an Award Ceremony at The Library of Congress in Washington, DC. Seventeen states currently award state ROW prizes, as well. The contest is free, and every child is acknowledged with a personalized "Watershed Explorer" certificate. Children may enter on their own or through schools, nature centers, libraries, youth clubs and other organizations. Girl Scouts can earn their "Water Drop" patch by entering the contest and fulfilling other requirements (www.epa.gov/adopt/patch).  The contest deadline for North American entries is February 15.  For more information, visit http://riverofwords.org.