“There’s still time to enter the Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp contest,” advises MassWildlife Education Coordinator Pam Landry. “Any student, from kindergarden through grade 12, regardless of whether they attend public school, private school or are home-schooled, can submit original artwork for this fun and educational competition.”

The Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) Program was launched in 1991 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to increase young people’s awareness of the importance of preserving wetland habitats and the delights of wildlife watching. Entries are reviewed in four categories representing grades K - 3, grades 4 - 6, grades 7 - 9 and grades 10 - 12. All entrants are recognized for their efforts with the top 25 receiving prizes in each age category. The overall state winner represents Massachusetts at the National Competition in Ocean City, Maryland. 

“JDS is really a lesson in conservation through the arts, so everyone who participates is a winner,” continues Landry. “Not only is it fun to create a drawing or painting, it’s interesting to learn about the species being drawn so it can be depicted in a natural habitat.  I’d love to hear from art teachers, science teachers, and parents who home-school to provide them with all the details. The packets contain materials to stimulate interest in wildlife and habitat protection and describe the incredibly successful story of federal Duck Stamps. Even if someone decides not to enter the art competition, the related information can be valuable in the classroom.”

The entry deadline is March 15, 2005. For more information contact Pam Landry, 508/792-7270 x110, pam.landry@state.ma.us or www.MassWildlife.org.