Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest Underway

Maryland students, from kindergarten through 12th grade, have until March 15 to submit drawings in the Maryland Junior Duck Stamp Contest, a competition sponsored by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Patuxent Research Refuge, Prince Georges's Arts Council and the Maryland - National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The students are asked to create designs which feature any species of North American waterfowl, except for mute swans and loons.

"The Maryland Junior Duck Stamp Contest is a great opportunity for teachers and students alike" said Rich Dolesh director of DNR's Forest Wildlife Heritage Division. "Public and private school teachers can utilize the Junior Duck Stamp curriculum to conduct classroom activities relating to conservation and wildlife art. Teachers also have the opportunity to combine art appreciation with environmental science and biology, and students can have fun learning about the native and migratory waterfowl while exercising their creativity. The contest makes learning fun, and it gives kids the opportunity to win great prizes."

The entries (only one per student) must be horizontal, no more than nine inches by twelve inches, and are open to all art mediums. The Prince George's Arts Council will award the "Best of Show" entry a $100 US Savings Bond, and advance it to the national contest to compete for a free trip for the student, with a parent and art teacher, to Washington and a chance to win a $2,500 cash award.

Judging, by age group, will take place at the National Wildlife Visitor Center at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, on March 21, at 9 a.m. All 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, as well as Honorable Mentions will receive show ribbons and participation certificates. All 1st place winners will receive a $75 US Savings Bond.

Maryland's 2001 winning entries will be exhibited at the Family Wildlife Festival at the Harmony Regional Center in Fort Washington, Sat., March 24, and at the National Wildlife Visitor's Center May 1-30. A grand awards ceremony for all Marylanders will take place at the National Wildlife Visitor Center on Sat., May 12, and the winning entries will tour the state. The sites include the Ward Museum of Waterfowl Art in Salisbury, Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, and the 2001 Waterfowl Festival in Easton. For more information and contest materials, please call (301) 454-1461, or TTY (301) 454-1472.

For more information go to www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/duckstamp/



Posted: 1-4-2001