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Conservation Through The Arts
Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program

Maryland Jr. Duck Stamp "Best of Show"
DC Jr Duck Stamp "Best of Show"

See Announcement of
2009- 2010
Maryland Award Winner

Hundreds of Maryland students each year participate in the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program. Introducing the Junior Duck Stamp curriculum into the classroom teaches students about waterfowl, wetland ecology, and wildlife conservation while meeting national education outcomes for science, English, and art. The students are then encouraged to research a waterfowl species and depict it in an artistic media. Entries from Maryland students in grades K-12 from public, private, and home schools, are submitted each year to Patuxent Research Refuge. Entries must be postmarked by March 15.

The four grade categories are K-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Artwork is judged in its category by a panel of local wildlife and art experts. Each grade category receives 3 first place, 3 second place, 3 third place, and 16 honorable mentions. The Best of Show for Maryland is chosen from the first place winners. Maryland's Best of Show is sent to Washington DC to compete at the national level. The winning entry in the federal competition is made into the Federal Junior Duck Stamp. To see last year's winners visit http://duckstamps.fws.gov . To purchase Federal Junior Duck Stamps call AMPLEX (800) DUCK-499.

Each entrant receives a certificate of participation. Past Maryland awards have included ribbons, savings bonds, art supplies, and various other gifts donated by sponsors. Maryland's winners are invited to the awards ceremony in May at the National Wildlife Visitor Center. The Best of Show, First, Second, and Third Place winning artwork will be on tour throughout the state of Maryland till November.

A color brochure describing the Federal Junior Duck Stamp program is available for download. The brochure includes an overview of the program, images of winning art, hints for teachers, entry requirements, and an entry form. Click to download the color brochure (LARGE PDF file; Adobe Acrobat Reader required).

Duck Stamp logo For more information on the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program, visit www.fws.gov/juniorduck