Fifth-grader Erin Werner of Santa Fe had her drawing of an invasive lionfish picked as Wildlife Forever’s National Silent Invader category winner.
Erin beat out entries from across the country after placing first in the Texas State Fish Art Competition for fifth graders.
“Erin is not only an extremely talented artist, but her entry, of a red lionfish swimming in waters with channel bass spotlights the battle we are facing with invasive species.” Wildlife Forever said in a press release. “We are very excited to have her as our Invader Crusader to help with the critical task of introducing kids to the nationwide epidemic of invasive species in our rivers, lakes and streams.”
Erin’s art will be used on highway billboards by Wildlife Forever’s Threat Campaign, alerting boaters to “clean, drain and dry” when leaving any body of water to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
