Entries still are being accepted for the annual Indiana Junior Duck Stamp Contest.

The entry deadline for the program administered by Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge is March 15.

The program is designed to promote conservation through art for students in kindergarten through high school, according to a news release.

Working on entries provides students an opportunity to learn about waterfowl and wetland habitat while artistically expressing themselves.

Curriculum guides with suggested learning activities are available free of charge to teachers, youth group leaders and home school educators. Some art supplies, “duck models” and a Junior Duck Backpack full of resource guides and materials also might be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To enter the contest, students must submit one picture featuring any native ducks, geese or swans. Artwork will be judged in four groups according to grade level: kindergarten through third grade, fourth through sixth grade, seventh through ninth grade and 10th through 12th grade. Three first-, three second- and three third-place entries along with 16 honorable mentions will be selected from each group and prizes awarded.

Contest judges select a State “Best of Show” from the 12 first-place winners, which is then submitted to the Federal Duck Stamp Office and entered into the National Junior Duck Stamp Contest. The winner of the National Junior Duck Stamp Contest will receive a $2,000 scholarship.

A downloadable entry form and information on contest rules and regulations for teachers and supervising adults can be found online at fws.gov/juniorduck. For additional information or curriculum materials, contact Donna Stanley at 812-522-4352 or [email protected].

Entries and reference forms should be postmarked (or delivered) by March 15 to: Muscatatuck NWR, 12985 E. U.S. Hwy. 50, Seymour, IN 47274.