POLLINATOR SEED PACKET ART CONTEST

In the fall of 2025, Earth Conservancy launched its Pollinator Seed Packet Art Contest, inviting artists of all ages and skill levels to create original artwork for the cover of our new, limited-edition native wildflower seed packets. The contest asked participants to explore a specific story, one both honoring the region’s anthracite mining heritage while highlighting the land’s reclamation and renewal. While many submissions beautifully captured pollinators and wildflowers, the strongest works embraced the full narrative of past, present, and future – nodding to the complexity reclamation brings – and did so in a very compact space! 

Submissions were received in November 2025 and advanced through two rounds of judging, first by Earth Conservancy staff and then by EC’s Board of Directors. While we weren’t surprised by the skill and creativity on display, we were truly amazed by the response. In total, 62 artworks were submitted by students, hobbyists, and professional artists, representing grade schools, colleges, and independent creatives.

Although many artists hailed from northeastern Pennsylvania’s coal region, several entries came from out of state, creating a diverse and compelling collection. Together, the works reflect both the environmental challenges of the past and the hopeful possibilities of restoration – and sparked more than a little friendly debate among our staff.

The winning design – Wildflowers from Dust by Teall Vosburg – was announced in January 2026. Final design of the packets, printing, and packaging happened in the ensuing months. By April 2026, the packets had arrived and within a week were being distributed, helping carry EC’s mission of renewal into homes, classrooms, and gardens across the region. We’re also exploring ways to feature additional works in future projects, recognizing that each submission represents time, skill, and a willingness to engage with this place and its story.

Although the seeds in each packet varies, the general blend includes bergamot, black-eyed Susan, butterfly milkweed, coreopsis, golden Alexander, gray goldenrod, spiderwort, partridge pea, purple coneflower, purple prairie clover, scarlet sage, and smooth aster. According to our supplier, each plant can grow at least 6” wide, so, depending on what’s in your packet, you may be able to cover up to 20 square feet!

Artists Seeked [sic] for Earth Conservancy Art Contest (Times Leader, September 23, 2025)
Earth Conservancy Seeks Artist to Design NEPA Native Seeds Packets (WVIA, September 24, 2025)
Winners of Earth Conservancy Contest Announced (Times Leader, January 20, 2026)

Original Contest Overview, Criteria, & Guidelines
Original Entry Agreement, Artist’s Release, & Template