The Junior Duck Stamp Program is in full flight in 2011, and all Colorado students (K-12) are welcome to participate. This free art and science program is designed to teach wetlands habitat and waterfowl conservation to Americaís youth. JDS participants employ scientific and wildlife observation principles to learn about the subject matter, and then communicate that knowledge visually by creating an entry to the JDS art contest.The JDS contest begins each fall and proceeds through spring as students submit their artwork to their state coordinator. Students at the state level are then judged in four groups, according to grade level. Three first, second and third-place entries are selected for each group. A best of show is then selected by the judges from the first-place winners. Each stateís best of show is submitted to the Duck Stamp Office in Washington D.C., and entered into the national contest. The first-place design from the national contest is used to create the official Junior Duck Stamp for the following year. These stamps are sold by the U.S. Postal Service for $5 each. Proceeds from sales support environmental education and provide awards and scholarships for the students, teachers and schools that participate in the program. All entries must be postmarked by March 15. The award ceremony to honor the state winners and participating schools will be held at the Arvada Center on May 14.For more details, contact Colorado State Coordinator Seth Beres at 303-289-0867 or visit http://www.fws.gov/juniorduck/ArtContest.htm.
