Entries are being accepted for the annual Indiana Junior Duck Stamp Contest, a Conservation Through Art program administered by Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge.

The entry deadline for the art to be submitted to the refuge at 12985 E. U.S. 50, Seymour, is Wednesday.

The Junior Duck Stamp program promotes learning about wetland habitat and waterfowl biology and is appropriate for students in kindergarten through high school.

To enter the contest, students submit a piece of artwork featuring native ducks, geese or swans. A full list of permitted species is available online at fws.gov/juniorduck.

Artwork will be judged in four groups according to grade level. 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 contest will receive a $2,000 scholarship.

The winning art from the national contest is used to create a Junior Duck Stamp each year. The Junior Duck Stamp is available for $5 online and from Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge.

Proceeds from the sale of the stamps support conservation education and provide awards and scholarships for participating students, teachers and schools.

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 Junior Duck Stamp state coordinator Donna Stanley at 812-522-4352 or [email protected].