About the Contest

The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program is an integrated art and science curriculum developed to teach environmental science and habitat conservation. The program combines art, science, and cultural curricula to teach a greater awareness of our nation's natural and cultural resources. Students learn about conserving habitats while they explore the aesthetic qualities of wildlife and nature.

Download a free Curriculum Guide book, or within Alaska call Migratory Bird Management at 1-800-368-8890.

A Junior Duck Stamp design is a "term paper" which takes the form of a stamp design. In their designs students use visual rather than verbal articulation to show what they have learned. Participants select a species of North American waterfowl, do research on this species and its habitat, then depict the waterfowl in an artistic medium.

The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program began in 1989 with a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. In 1994, funding for this unique program was appropriated through the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Act. In 2000, the program was reauthorized through 2005 by the 106th Congress, thereby showing the importance that Members of Congress placed on preparing youth for the conservation issues of the 21st Century. Alaska's program was started in 1996. The 2003 Alaska contest received more than one thousand entries from 53 schools throughout the state.

The Junior Duck Stamp Program has many benefits. It introduces school age children to an important and fragile part of the natural world. It instills a sense of individual responsibility toward the environment. And it benefits waterfowl and their habitats as well as all migratory birds and hundreds of plants and animals that share wetland habitats.

Awards

In each grade group (K-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12), three first place, three second place, three third place, and sixteen honorable mention ribbons are awarded (25 ribbons per group x 4 groups=100 ribbons). The state Best of Show is selected from among the 12 first place winning designs and competes in the national competition in Washington, D.C.

Alaska state recognition and prizes vary yearly depending on corporate and local sponsorship. All students entering their state's contest receive a Certificate of Participation.

The first place national winner receives a $4,000 cash award and a free trip to Washington, D.C. in the fall to attend the (adult) Federal Duck Stamp Contest, along with his/her art teacher, one of his/her parents, and his/her state coordinator. The national first place winning design is used to produce the Federal Junior Duck Stamp for that year.

All national and state winning designs are displayed during the year and returned to students the following spring.

Helpful Hints for Teachers

Support for participation in the Alaska Federal Junior Duck Stamp Competition is available to educators and parents. Resources available include classroom visits from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees and other conservation partners or the use of art and activity kits. If you are interested in learning more, please contact the toll free Migratory Bird Management phone number listed above or send your requests by E-mail to tamara_zeller@fws.gov.