“CORN SNAKE”: This painting by Andrew Lee is the Mercer County winner of the 13th annual “Species on the Edge” contest, in which nature art and essays on New Jersey’s threatened and endangered species were created by fifth grade students from across the state. The exhibit runs through October 12 in the Olivia Rainbow Gallery in D&R Greenway’s Johnson Education Center in Princeton.

D&R Greenway and Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey host “Species on the Edge,” through October 12 at The Olivia Rainbow Gallery in D&R Greenway’s Johnson Education Center, One Preservation Place, Princeton. Nature art and essays on New Jersey’s more than 80 threatened and endangered species were created by fifth-grade students across the state. Their work evidences intensive study and arresting talent. For this 13th annual contest, over 2,500 entries were juried. Since 2003, over 12,000 New Jersey children have participated.

Mercer County’s winner is a twined Pine Barrens Corn Snake by Andrew Lee. The vesper sparrow in flight is depicted against its farm-field habitat by Rachel Song for Middlesex County. Hunterdon’s Laura Haines presents a short-eared owl. A bog turtle chooses between land and water for Somerset County artist Parinita Chandrashekar. The American bald eagle takes wing for Monmouth County’s Angelina Santapaola.

Conserve Wildlife NJ’s annual contest encourages students to become wildlife biologists through research, artwork, and writing. Conserve Wildlife reports that “they learn about local environmental issues, express their own concerns for the world around them, think creatively about ways to improve it, and consider how their actions impact the natural world.”

“These talented children poured their hearts into our contest. They created vibrant artwork and passionate essays on these rare wildlife species,” said David Wheeler, Conserve Wildlife Foundation executive director. “We are inspired to help connect the next generation of New Jersey conservation leaders with the natural world around them. Their art and essays illustrate the wonders of nature — revealing many of the challenges we must overcome to help vulnerable wildlife survive in our densely-populated state.”

The Olivia Rainbow Gallery is named for and funded in memory of Olivia Kuenne. Exhibits honor her outgoing spirit and love of nature and art. Hours are 9:30 a.m. through 5 p.m. weekdays. Free admission. For more information, call (609) 924-4646 or visit www.drgreenway.org.