The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program provides a creative outlet for students through a contest that can be incorporated into almost any subject. The program teaches students about wetlands, waterfowl, land stewardship, migratory birds, conservation and an appreciation of art and writing.

Students may submit their artwork and a two- to three-sentence conservation message for the state contest, which is judged in four groups of grade levels: K-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. More than 600 prizes are awarded at the state level, including cash prizes, and the best of show selection will represent Kentucky in the national contest, where the winning artist will receive a $1,000 cash prize.

Entries must be postmarked by March 15 and may be submitted individually or as a group.

Teachers may find updated curriculum guidelines here that will allow them and their students to explore and investigate waterfowl, wetlands and natural resource conservation throughout the year.

Click here for a brochure detailing the program and the art contest, or go here for more information on the program.