Deptford Township is home to some eye-catching plant and animal species, so to raise awareness of both, officials are once again sponsoring the Discover Nature in Your Backyard contest.
First introduced in 2016, the contest ended two years later because the township had other programs to promote.
“It got slowed up last year due to COVID, and everything so it kinda fell by the wayside,” said Mayor Paul Medany.
Residents must download contest forms from the Deptford website and log the names of animals, insects, or plants they see, along with the date and time of discovery. Nature in the area includes deer, sparrows, and turkeys; insects such as ants, butterflies, and ladybugs; and plant life such as oak trees, dandelions, and junipers. Entrants with the most impressive logs will win awards and be recognized with a framed proclamation at a council meeting in September.
“It’s helping the environment and we want to educate not only kids but families about all of the diversity in their backyards,” explained Medany of the contest. “It is simply fun, and the whole family can get into it.”
The contest began June 1; submissions will be accepted until Sept. 6. Photos and drawings of species may also be entered.
To receive recognition at a council meeting in September, and to be considered for a gift certificate, return your completed form to the Parks and Recreation Department at the township municipal building, or send an email to DeptfordParksandrec@Deptford-nj.org. Download the form here.
