U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seek Entries for the Junior Duck Stamp National Contest
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Junior Duck Stamp Program uses a combination of art and science to engage students in environmental conservation and stewardship. This dynamic education program uses both conservation and art 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.
In Hawaiʻi, there are three native waterfowl species: nēnē (Hawaiian goose), koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck), and koloa pōhaka (Laysan duck). Although artists may submit an image of any native North American duck, swan, or goose, students from Hawaiʻi can learn about these three native waterfowl species and express what they learned through their artwork.
Artwork entries are judged on the basis of original design, anatomical accuracy, artistic composition and suitability for reproduction on a 1” by 1.5” stamp. Judging will occur in March. Students are 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 honorable mentions are selected from each group. Contest judges will also select Best of Show and Best Conservation Message winners 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 in April.
The top three winners in Best of Show and Best Conservation Message of the National Junior Duck Stamp Contest will receive scholarships. Furthermore, the first place art from the national contest is used to create the National Junior Duck Stamp.
The Junior Duck Stamp is available for $5 from the U.S. Postal Service and from 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, education guides, and information on contest rules and regulations for teachers and supervising adults can be found at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Junior Duck Stamp Conservation Program website.
For additional information or if you have questions regarding your student’s or school’s participation in the Junior Duck Stamp contest, please contact the Hawaiʻi Junior Duck Stamp State Coordinator, Nanea Valeros at nanea_valeros@fws.gov.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, connect with us through any of these social media channels at https://www.facebook.com/PacificIslandsFWS, www.flickr.com/photos/usfwspacific/, or www.twitter.com/USFWSPacific.
