2012 Illinois Best of Show – Justas Varpucanskis, 14
The submission deadline for the 2013 Illinois U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Junior Duck Stamp Contest is fast approaching. Administered by the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, the contest requires entries to be postmarked by March 15, 2013.
The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program is unique in its blend of science and art. It engages children in the study of waterfowl and habitat conservation, as well as, migration. The program guides students, using scientific and wildlife observation principles, to communicate visually what they have learned. Students then submit artwork featuring an eligible North American waterfowl species to a judging process.
Contest judges select a “Best of Show” from the 12 first place winners. The Illinois “Best of Show” will then be submitted to the Federal Duck Stamp Office and entered into the National Junior Duck Stamp Contest.
The first place art from the national contest is used to create a National Junior Duck Stamp each year. The Junior Duck Stamp is available for $5 from the U.S. Postal Service and from many National Wildlife Refuges. All proceeds from the sale of the stamps support conservation education and provide awards and scholarships for participating students, teachers and schools.
Entries and reference forms should be postmarked by March 15 and mailed to:
Attn: Junior Duck Stamp Coordinator
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
8588 Route 148
Marion, Ill. 62959
For more information, visit: http://www.fws.gov/jrduck
