Federal Jr. Duck Stamp Contests Approach in Midwest States
The 2009 Junior Duck Stamp Program is underway in the Midwest this spring. Contests will be held this March and April in Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, and Ohio. This dynamic educational program uses both conservation and design principles to teach wetland habitat and waterfowl biology to students in kindergarten through high school. The program provides an opportunity for students to artistically express their knowledge of the diversity, interdependence and beauty of wildlife.
"The benefits of exposure to nature are countless, especially in children. The Junior Duck Stamp Contest connects children to nature through art and science, and I hope this program continues to expand into more schools and homes across the Midwest and country," said Tom Melius, Midwest Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Students may submit artwork featuring one of the following species: whistling ducks, swans, geese, brant, dabbling ducks, diving ducks, sea ducks, mergansers, stiff tails, or Hawaiian ducks. A full list of permitted species is available online at http://www.fws.gov/juniorduck. Judging will be open to the general public; event and time information is listed below.
West Lake, Ohio – 9:00 a.m., March 20 at Holiday Inn West Lake. For more information on the Ohio Jr. Duck Contest, contact: Rebecca Hinkle at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge at rebecca_hinkle@fws.gov">.
Seymour, Indiana – 9:00 a.m., March 21 at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge. For more information on the Indiana Jr. Duck Contest, contact Donna Stanley at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge at donna_stanley@fws.gov">.
Burnsville, Minnesota – 9:00 a.m., March 24 at Burnsville City Hall (Civic Center). For more information on the Minnesota Jr. Duck Contest, contact Mara Koenig at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge at mara_koenig@fws.gov">.
Prairie City, Iowa - 12:30 p.m., March 25 at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. For more information on the Iowa Jr. Duck Contest, contact Doreen Van Ryswyk at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge at doreen_vanryswyk@fws.gov">.
Saginaw, Michigan – 9:00 a.m., March 25 at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuges Green Point Environmental Learning Center. For more information on the Michigan Jr. Duck Contest, contact Becky Goche at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge at Becky_Goche@fws.gov">.
Necedah, Wisconsin – 8:30 a.m., March 27 at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge. For more information on the Wisconsin Jr. Duck Contest, contact Daniel Peterson at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge at Daniel_peterson@fws.gov">.
Springfield, Illinois - 9:30 a.m., April 1 at Illinois Department of Natural Resources Headquarters. For more information on the Illinois Jr. Duck Contest, contact Joe Bauer at Illinois Department of Natural Resources at Joe.Bauer@Illinois.gov">.
Columbia, Missouri – 9:00 a.m., April 2 at USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center Schoettger Conference Building. For more information on the Ohio Jr. Duck Contest, contact Tim Haller at Big Muddy National Wildlife Refuge at tim_haller@fws.gov">.
"The Junior Duck Stamp Contest celebrates childrens curiosity to learn about nature," said Tom Melius, Midwest Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "By using their artistic talents, younger generations can develop an appreciation for migratory birds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife they may otherwise not be exposed to."
Artwork entries will be judged on the basis of original design, anatomical accuracy, artistic composition and suitability for reproduction on a 1" by 1.5" stamp.
During the contest, students will be judged in four groups according to grade level: K-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Three first, three second and three third place entries, along with 16 honorable mentions will be selected from each group. Contest judges select a "Best of Show" from the twelve first place winners, which will be submitted to the Federal Duck Stamp Office and entered into the National Junior Duck Stamp Contest held April 22 in Washington D.C. The winner of the National Junior Duck Stamp Contest, along with his/her parent or guardian and teacher will receive a free trip to a First Day of Sale ceremony in late June/early July.
The first place art from the national, contest is used to create a National Junior Duck Stamp each year. The Junior Duck Stamp is available for $5 from the U.S. Postal Service and from many National Wildlife Refuges. Proceeds from the sale of the stamps support conservation education and provide awards and scholarships for participating students, teachers and schools.
A downloadable entry form and information on contest rules and regulations for teachers and supervising adults can be found online at http://www.fws.gov/juniorduck. For additional information or if you have questions regarding your students or schools participation in the Jr. Duck Stamp contest, please contact your Jr. Duck Stamp State Coordinator.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov.
