Washington Junior Duck Stamp Program

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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, Mesha Wood at Mesha_Wood@fws.gov

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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.

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How To Participate (Rules/Requirements/Forms)

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)

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.

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Judging

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

Art received after the due date will be held for the following year's contest. 

In late February, judges will chose 100 winners for Washington. 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.

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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.

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Art Display

The yearly duck stamp contestants can be viewed on the USWFS Flickr account.

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Partners

The Washington Junior Duck Stamp Program is hosted at the Ridgefield NWR but works with many partners throughout the state to expand student participation and knowledge about waterfowl, wetlands, and conservation. The US Fish & Wildlife Service and many partners reach thousands of students throughout Washington. Partners include: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, the City of Vancouver's Water Resource Center, Washougal Arts and Cultural Alliance, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Audubon Washington, Washington Waterfowl Association, 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 Mesha Wood to see how you can help.

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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 are for sale at multiple refuges across the state, including, but not limited to Nisqually, Ridgefield, and Turnbull National Wildlife Refuges.

Stamps can also be purchased online via the United States Postal Service.

To learn more about purchasing a collectible junior duck stamp, please visit the program website.

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Other Links

Where Art and Science Meet - a story from State Coordinator Mesha Wood

Washington Waterfowl Association which has educator guides, information, and more!

Federal Duck Stamp Program 

Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program 

The Million Dollar Duck Movie

Videos