Students from across the state of Iowa are invited to submit their original artwork to the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the contest. The Junior Duck Stamp Contest welcomes entries from students in kindergarten through 12th grade from public schools, private schools and home schools, as well as on an individual basis. The program uses art and science to create an awareness of natural resources and wetland conservation. Entries must be postmarked by March 15, and regulations and permitted species can be found at www.fws.gov/juniorduck.
Before judging, the entries are separated into four groups with 100 ribbons and prizes awarded to the Iowa winners. Artwork entries will be judged on the basis of artistic merit and physical accuracy. The Iowa “Best of Show” is chosen in April by a panel of five judges and then is submitted to the Federal Duck Stamp Office and entered into the National Junior Duck Stamp Contest held later in April. The national winner will be used to create the 2012 Federal Junior Duck Stamp.
For more information, contact Doreen Van Ryswyk at (515) 994-3400 or Doreen_Vanryswyk@fws.gov. Entries must be postmarked by March 15 and mailed to Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, Attn: Junior Duck Stamp Coordinator, 9981 Pacific Street, P.O. Box 399, Prairie City IA 50228.