What is it and why participate?
Calling all youth interested in art and the sciences! The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program is an art and science-based curriculum that teaches wetland and waterfowl conservation to students in kindergarten through high school.
The program encourages students to explore their natural world and is designed to spark interest in habitat conservation through science, technology, art and math.
Students can share what they have learned by entering the annual art contest by submitting a drawing or painting of a North American waterfowl and by writing a Conservation Message. Learn more about this innovative art contest combines science and art!
For more information, please visit the national Junior Duck Stamp website.
Questions? Contact the State Coordinator, Susan Kain at susan_kain@fws.gov
Who May Participate?
Any K-12 student attending public, private or homeschool in the United States and the U.S. Territories is eligible to enter. Students may enter through their school, as a home project or as a part of a youth or community activity.
How To Participate (Rules/Requirements/Forms)
- Review the annual brochure and print out entry forms (English/Spanish).
- Read the contest rules carefully and make sure you meet eligibility requirements.
- Begin researching and preparing your entry.
- Fill in the entry form (English/Spanish) (required for all students) and completely affix to the back of your entry.
- Fill in the Reference Form (English/Spanish)(required for students in grades 7-12) and completely affix to the back of your entry.
- Mail your entry in! (Make sure your entry is postmarked by March 1)
Find out all you need to know to participate including forms, rule booklet, eligible species list, reference list for older students, and more on the program website.
Judging
Submit your Junior Duck Stamp entry for Idaho by March 1. (Entries must be postmarked or delivered to the Refuge Office by March 1.)
Deer Flat Junior Duck Stamp
13571 Upper Embankment Road
Nampa, ID 83686
Art received after the due date can be held for the following year's contest upon request.
In late March, judges will chose 100 Idaho winners. Awards and prizes vary from state to state; however, all entries receive certificates of participation and the top winners in each age group receive special recognition. The "Best of Show" winner, as well as the top Idaho Conservation Message winner, will compete in the national Junior Duck Stamp competition . At the national level, scholarships are awarded to the top three artists and the winning conservation message.
Curriculum
This curriculum focuses on the conservation of waterfowl and wetland habitats. It is designed for students in grades 5–8, with adaptations for K–4, 9–12, homeschoolers, and non-formal educators.
Information about free conservation education curriculum can be found on the program website.
Art Display
The Best of Show winners will be displayed from April 4-6, 2024, at Jack's Urban Meeting Place in Boise (1000 W Myrtle St Boise, ID 83702).
The yearly duck stamp contestants can be viewed on the USWFS Flickr account.
Partners
The Idaho Junior Duck Stamp Program is hosted at the Deer Flat NWR but works with many partners throughout the state to expand student participation and knowledge about waterfowl, wetlands, and conservation. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and many partners reach hundreds of students throughout Idaho. Partners include: Idaho Fish and Game, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Golden Eagle Audubon, and Ducks Unlimited. If you would like to become a partner and conduct educational programs for students, teach students about drawing waterfowl, or more, contact state coordinator Susan Kain to see how you can help.
Support the Program
These collectible $5 stamps are created from the winning design at the national level. Proceeds from the national sales are re-invested in the JDS program to support awards and conservation education. Junior Duck Stamps can be purchased online via the United States Postal Service.
To learn more about purchasing a collectible junior duck stamp, please visit the program website.
Other Links
Washington Waterfowl Association which has educator guides, information, and more!
Recreational Activities
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