- FWS photo

The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest is a nationwide event promoted by the Service.  In Illinois this program is coordinated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and this was the Chicago Ecological Services Office's 14th year for participating. 

Illinois is home to a pair of national winners since the inception of this children's art contest. 

This year, our Chicago Ecological Services' Environmental Education Specialist served as a judge, and coordinated the return of the artwork, along with certificates and ribbons to the 475 participants. 

Illinois' Best of Show was awarded to Christina VanDellen, from Lakes Community High School in Lake County. 

She received a $100.00 cash award from Bass Pro for her painting of a bufflehead.