Education

Parents, educators and other caregivers play an important role in nurturing children's connection with the natural world. We have resources for anyone who wants to help engage and inspire young people to explore nature and understand the important roles birds play in our lives and the health of the environment. Whether in the classroom or backyard, or at a park or a  national wildlife refuge, opportunities to educate and explore abound.

Engaging Young People Through Arts and Science

Our hallmark education initiative, the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program, has taught two generations of students about wetlands and waterfowl conservation through a dynamic science and arts curriculum that culminates in state and national art contests. The winning art nationally is made into the Junior Duck Stamp, which sells for $5 and benefits environmental education.

Four Junior Duck Stamp curriculum guides offer innovative and engaging lesson plans focusing on scientific principles and our changing natural world; two of the guides are designed specifically for home school and non-formal education settings. These guides are free to download. Contact your state Junior Duck Stamp coordinator for more information about the curriculum or the art contest.

Celebrating the Spectacle of Migration

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service annually partners with Environment for the Americas to support  World Migratory Bird Day, which celebrates one of the most important and spectacular events in the Americas - bird migration. More than 600 WMBD events and programs annually introduce people of all ages and backgrounds to the beauty of migratory birds and the many ways to conserve them.

For Bird Enthusiasts and Those Who Want to Be

Because education is a lifelong journey, we offer resources for people of all ages who want to learn about conservation and discover the joys of birds and birding. You can find information about bird identification, great places to find birds, choosing equipment and much more in our Bird Enthusiasts section. In addition, we have information about and links to training opportunities ranging from conservation biology to basic bird identification.