2015-2016 Junior Duck Stamp featuring wood ducks, art by Andrew Kneeland of Rock Springs, Wyo. Courtesy image
WILDLIFE REFUGE News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge is proud to announce the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program and Contest deadline for art submissions is March 15, 2016.
Students in kindergarten through 12th grades across New Mexico learn about habitat conservation through science, math, technology, and the arts to create an original drawing or painting of waterfowl as their “visual term paper.”
“We are so excited to have Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge coordinating this year’s state wide competition,” Refuge Manager Jennifer Owen-White said. “This will give us a great opportunity to increase our outreach to and participation by students in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe areas and will help us in our goal to connect students in urban communities to wildlife and the outdoors.”
Each state holds an annual contest with winners selected in four age groups. The “Best of Show” winner from each state competes at the national level for scholarships. The winning artwork becomes the following year’s Junior Duck Stamp.
A curriculum is available to help students explore wildlife and conservation. These guides can be used in many different settings, including classrooms, home schools and at nonformal education sites.
Entry requirements, English and Spanish-language entry forms, and curriculum guides can be found online at www.fws.gov/juniorduck.
Students from across the state are encouraged to participate. Last year’s state winner Dylan Zinn’s rendition of a Ruddy Duck placed in the top 25 at the national competition and we hope New Mexico can place again this year.
Participants will mail entries to:
Junior Duck Stamp Program
Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
via USPS to: PO Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103
Via FedEx to: 500 Gold Ave. SW, Room 4231, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Entries must be postmarked by March 15, 2016 to be entered into the contest. Information about contest judging and winners will be announced in April.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.