Florida 4-H

Banner image of youth in at Austun Cary Forest learning about forest ecology

Nature Poetry Contest

Poetry offers a unique chance to express what matters to us—whether it's something we observe, wonder about, or simply find joy in. It's a space where creativity and cleverness shine, and where ideas can connect in unexpected ways. Through poetry, we not only share our thoughts but also learn from one another.

In this contest, up to 20 poems from poets of any age can be submitted by the UF 4-H agent in each county, with a limit of one entry per person. The FAMU coordinator may also submit up to 20 additional poems for FAMU 4-H'ers in each county. Let your imagination soar and join us in celebrating the beauty of nature through the art of poetry!

How To Participate in the Contest

To enter the Florida 4-H Nature Poetry Contest, please use the new online submission form below. There is a limit of one entry per person. Entries will be accepted in three age categories. All entries must be submitted by March 3, 2025. Winners will be announced at the Florida 4-H Forest Ecology Contest and via email. No fee for poetry submissions.

What Makes a Good Poem?
Good poems have one or more of the following characteristics:
1. The subject of the poem is clear, easy to understand, and focused.
2. The choice of words create power, convey an image, share a passion, breathe life, or share an experience with the reader. They come alive!
3. Some poems have a standard rhythm or pattern. Some poems count syllables - as in a haiku. Some poems (like limericks) have a meter or beat.
4. Some poems rhyme, and some 'almost' rhyme. Words that have the same ending sound (like cat/bat/that) are real rhymes. Words that almost rhyme (called assonance) might sound like a rhyme but aren’t, such as branches/fences or leaves/breathes.
5. The beginning of words can also become a pattern, such as words that start with the same letter or sound: fancy footwork of falling foliage.
6. Good poems often use metaphors, similes, and analogies to convey ideas. A metaphor defines something as a comparison: You are a breath of fresh air. A simile uses the words ‘like’ or ‘as’ to compare two things: Her eyes sparkled like diamonds when she found her favorite tree. An analogy defines a complex idea in simple, easy to translate, concrete terms: A sandhill crane – from wingtip to wingtip, is wider than I am tall.
7. Good poems are grammatically and scientifically correct. Words are spelled correctly; animal and plant names are hyphenated properly. Prior to reprinting a winning poem, staff will request permission to make minor corrections if needed. If the author does not provide permission, the poem will not be posted on our website.