News

Junior Duck Stamp Winners Chosen

California’s annual Jr. Duck Stamp Judging event was held in Sacramento on March 25, 2009. In addition to celebrating the efforts of the participants and enthusiasm that the program inspires, this year waterfowl enthusiasts are celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Migratory Bird Stamp Act and the conservation successes it has brought.

The Jr. Duck Stamp Judging event is the culmination of a year of preparation for many of the participants. Inspired by waterfowl and wetlands, students in grades k-12 prepare entries that exhibit exceptional artistic talent and a deepened understanding of conservation issues.

Cathy Lee, age 13 from Fremont, won the California Jr. Duck Stamp Competition with her painting of a male and female redhead duck titled, “Ducks on a Stroll.” There were over 1,600 entries of waterfowl art were judged in Sacramento this year. The national winner was announced on April 22nd. A single wood duck was selected to appear on the 2009-2010 Federal Junior Duck Stamp. The design for the new stamp, painted by 16 year-old Lily Spang of Toledo, Ohio, was chosen by a panel of judges at the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest held at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C.

This year also celebrates the 80th Anniversary of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, and the 75th Anniversary of the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act. Both acts have been instrumental in protecting and restoring wetlands across North America. The Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act has raised more than $700 million which has conserved more than 5 million acres of waterfowl habitat.

The Junior Duck Stamp Program supports conservation education across the nation. Proceeds from stamp sales are invested in the program. Income from the sale of the Jr. Duck Stamps are used to fund scholarships for the national contest winners, state programs, and environmental education materials. Support the next generation of land stewards and buy a Junior Duck Stamp today!

For more information go to: http://www.fws.gov/juniorduck/, http://www.calwaterfowl.org/duck_stamp/index.htm