Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

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Washington Junior Duck Stamp Program

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 the Contest on the Junior Duck Stamp National Page

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?

1. Review the annual brochure and print out entry forms (English/Spanish).
2. Read the contest rules carefully and make sure you meet eligibility requirements.
3. Begin researching and preparing your entry.
4. Fill in the entry form (English/Spanish) (required for all students) and completely affix to the back of your entry.
5. Fill in the Reference Form (English/Spanish)(required for students in grades 7-12) and completely affix to the back of your entry.
6. Mail your entry in! (Make sure your entry is postmarked by February 15)

Contest Deadline

Submit your Junior Duck Stamp entry for Washington State by February 15. (entries must be postmarked by February 15 or in-hand at the Refuge Office the day of, by 3:00 PM)

Ridgefield Junior Duck Stamp
P.O. Box 457
28908 NW Main Ave
Ridgefield, WA 98642

Awards and Recognition

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. One "Best of Show" winner for Washington State will be submitted to the National Competition as well as the top Conservation Message winner. At the national level, scholarships are awarded to the top three artists and the winning conservation message. Washington State holds an annual virtual awards ceremony for all participants and their supporting families and teachers.

Questions? Contact the State Coordinator, Mesha Wood at Mesha_Wood@fws.gov