This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the dedication of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, a living memorial to writer/poet Joyce Kilmer, best known for the poem, “Trees.” Kilmer was killed in action during World War I while serving in France on July 30, 1918. The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center is sponsoring a Poetry Contest to honor this anniversary.
History of Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
In 1934, the Bozeman Bulger Post of the VFW petitioned the U.S. government to find a suitable area to serve as a monument to Kilmer. An isolated pocket of old-growth hardwood forest within the Nantahala National Forest’s Cheoah Ranger District in western North Carolina was selected. On July 30, 1936, ceremonies were conducted to honor Kilmer and dedicate the Memorial Forest to his memory. The 3,800-acre Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest with trees dating back 450 years is now a part of the 14,000 acre Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness.
The forest is located in Graham County, North Carolina just outside of Robbinsville, which is in the far western corner of the state. In this most beautiful, natural setting that was the unchartered hunting ground of the Cherokee Indians, trees grow more than 100 feet tall and some 20 feet around the base. In addition to these trees, there is an outstanding variety of shrubs, vines, ferns, mosses, lichen, liverworts, and herbaceous plants. In spring, wildflowers take advantage of the sunlight which will not be available after the hardwood trees are covered with shade-producing leaves. The Memorial Forest, comprised of giant poplars and large red oaks, as well as many other varieties of trees, is maintained in its primitive and natural state by the US Forest Service.
75th Anniversary Celebration Information
The Partners of the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the natural and heritage resources of the wilderness, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service are planning the 75th Anniversary celebration. A rededication ceremony will be held at Rattler Ford campground, outside of Robbinsville, North Carolina, on July 30, 2011. This celebration will include a 5K road race through a portion of the Nantahala National Forest, exhibits highlighting the area’s rich natural and cultural heritage, guided tours of the Joyce Kilmer National Recreation Trail and speakers highlighting both Joyce Kilmer’s life and the U.S. Forest Service’s stewardship of wilderness. For more information on the 75th Anniversary
Joyce Kilmer Poetry Contest Entry Regulations
Format
- Do not put your name on the poem, but include your name, address and title of poem on the submission form.
- Poems may be submitted by mail or electronically (Word or PDF).
- Poems may be handwritten or typed, but must be legible if handwritten.
- Poem may be illustrated as long as illustration does not affect the legibility of the poem.
Eligibility
- Only previously unpublished poems will be considered.
- All work must be original, and no longer than 32 lines.
- Poem theme must be relevant to Trees or Forests.
- All poems must be accompanied by a completed Submission Form.
- Only one poem per submission
- The language in the poem must be appropriate for all readers.
IMPORTANT
- None of the poems submitted will be returned.
- The Contest reserves the right to display the winning poems through July 30, 2011. All rights return to the author after this date.
- Winners will be notified by June 30, 2011.
Check List
- Completed submission form
- Original poem, typed, handwritten, or sent electronically
Poem and Submission Form are to be sent to:
Joyce Kilmer Forest 75th Anniversary Poetry Contest
c/o Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center
121 Schoolhouse Rd.
Stecoah, NC 28771
Or electronically to joycekilmerpoetrycontest@gmail.com
Entry Deadline :
Postmarked or electronically date stamped by May 31, 2011
SOURCE and Registration Form
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