Maine Junior Duck Stamp Judges Brad Allen and Jane Hopwood make tough decisions, USFWS photo by Michael Langlois

Maine Junior Duck Stamp winning entry/ USFWS photo by Michael Langlois

Maine Coastal Islands NWR was honored to host the 14^th Annual Junior Duck Stamp Competition held at the Camden Public Library in Camden, Maine on March 23.  Judges viewed over 600 entries from Maine students ranging in age from kindergarten to high school. Prizes were awarded for first, second, third, and honorable mentions in each of four age groups.  Judges chose the Best of Show from the first place winners in every age category; this entry will compete in the U.S. National Junior Duck Stamp Competition in Washington D.C.  This year's winner from Maine was a pastel painting of a Wood Duck by Cory McMillan of Lamoine, Maine.  Congratulations Cory!   

             The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program was created in 1989 by Dr. Joan Allemand.  She wanted to develop an art curriculum that would teach wetlands and waterfowl conservation to students from kindergarten through high school.  The art contest started in 1990 with 3,000 students from California participating.  Today more than 27,000 students throughout the United States, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands participate in the Junior Duck Stamp Contest.  The preparation and participation in the program itself is an educational experience in that the students are required to think about and understand the fundamental principles of anatomy and environmental science.  It also provides an opportunity for students to learn science and express their knowledge of the beauty and diversity of wildlife artistically. 

            The first place national winning design is used to create the Federal Junior Duck Stamp.  The Junior Duck Stamp costs $5 each and proceeds go to support conservation education by providing awards and scholarships for students, teachers, and schools.  This year the First Place National Winner will receive a $5,000 cash award and a free trip to Washington D.C. to attend the Federal Duck Stamp First Day of Sale ceremony in late June/early July along with one parent and the winner's teacher.