Maine Coastal Observing Alliance (MCOA) is looking for help from student artists to design a logo.

MCOA is a coalition of coastal water quality monitoring groups, made up of citizen scientists. The organization’s goals are to standardize methods, share data, increase capacity, and network with larger regional groups. MCOA’s broader mission is to increase access to scientific information related to environmental monitoring in coastal regions.

The group currently gathers water quality data from Blue Hill to Casco Bay, taking water samples and measurements in rivers and estuaries.

MCOA is developing a logo as part of a branding process, to increase visibility and raise awareness about the group’s activities.

High school students are invited to submit one or more designs for the logo. The winning designer will receive $100 and the chance to work with a professional graphic designer to finalize the product. Designs will be accepted until Friday, May 4.

Submissions should be in black and white. For more information and specific guidelines for submissions, email Sarah Gladu at sgladu@damariscottariver.org with "Logo Competition" in the subject line.

Damariscotta River Association (DRA) is one of MCOA’s eight member monitoring groups and gathers water quality data along the Damariscotta River twice a month from May through October. DRA Director of Education and Environmental Monitoring Sarah Gladu currently serves as chair of MCOA.

DRA is a non-profit, membership supported, and nationally accredited land trust and conservation organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of the Damariscotta region, centered on the Damariscotta River.

For more information about DRA or MCOA, visit online at www.damariscottariver.org.