Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation Program:
Connecting Youth with Nature through Science & Art
Brant by Shalina Vasagam | 2020 Washington State Best in Show
"The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program is a dynamic 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, invites them to investigate biology and wildlife management principles and challenges them to express and share what they have learned with others." - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website
What is it?
The annual Junior Duck Stamp contest combines science, conservation, and art in a series of engaging lessons and activities—and culminates with an entry into an art contest. In Washington, the state-wide contest was coordinated by Seattle Audubon for contest years 2018-20.
For information about the 2021 program, please contact Suzanne Fellows at suzanne_fellows@fws.gov or 703/358-2145.
The annual contest encourages students to observe wildlife and create their vision of the colorful, winged waterfowl that grace wetlands across North America. The objective is to create an original depiction of waterfowl and submit it to the contest; great as a class project or for individual students! Student artwork is 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, are selected from each age group, so there are lots of winners who will each receive certificates, prizes, and recognition.
Links to curriculum and activities
The U.S. Department of Fish & Wildlife offers comprehensive sets of curriculum for non-formal educators, homeschoolers, youth leaders, and classroom teachers. All are free and downloadable.
Seattle Audubon offers three activities for use in informal education settings: Bird Beak Buffet, Waterfront Property, and the Great Migration Challenge. Each can be adapted to be more or less challenging depending on the maturity of your group.
Who can enter?
All youth in grades K-12 residing in Washington State are invited to participate. Full contest rules and entry forms are available on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife website.
When?
Art submissions must be postmarked by March 15, 2021. The lessons and activities may happen anytime.
How:
Learn more about the art contest and entry guidelines, review the eligible species list, download the design contest entry form, and see examples of past contest winners at: http://www.fws.gov/juniorduck/
Partners:
Washington Waterfowl Association (WWA) has supported the Junior Duck Stamp Program since 2017 and enabled the purchase of prizes for first place winners. Learn more about how WWA supports waterfowl conservation through the Washington Duck Stamp program on their website.
Ready to enter?
As of December 2020, Washington's new state coordinator is pending. Please contact Suzanne Fellows at suzanne_fellows@fws.gov or 703/358-2145.
Please note: art submissions must be originals and cannot be submitted electronically. Do not fold the artwork.
Art that does not match contest guidelines will be disqualified in advance.
Other Resources:
BirdWeb: explore information about waterfowl that can be found and observed in Washington State
2020 Best in Show artworks
2019 Best in Show artworks
2018 Best in Show artworks
2017 Best in Show artworks
How to draw ducks and waterfowl (video workshop) from John Muir Laws.