On Saturday, May 14, at 10 a.m., the 16th Annual “Coloring the Earth” Children’s Environmental Art Contest Awards Ceremony will be held in the large meeting room at the Cape Coral Library, located at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace.

This year’s theme is “Let’s Save the Gopher Tortoise,” and young artists ages 5 to 12 were asked to create an original painting or drawing that shows how people can protect this precious species from habitat loss and other main threats.

The public is encouraged to join youngsters, parents, teachers and prominent members of the community at this popular yearly event and enjoy some refreshments. Attendees can help congratulate the children as the winners accept their awards.

There will be a presentation about gopher tortoises by keynote speaker Honey Phillips, senior environmental specialist with the city of Cape Coral.

The contest is sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library and the Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library.

For more information, contact contest organizer Alessia Leathers at alessialeathers@yahoo.com