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, 12985 E. U.S. 50, Seymour, is March 15.
The program promotes learning about wetlands and waterfowl and is appropriate for students in kindergarten through high school.
To enter, students must create and submit a piece of artwork featuring native ducks, geese or swans.
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 submitted to the National Junior Duck Stamp Contest. The winner of the national contest receives a scholarship.
Copies of the winning Junior Duck Stamp winners are on display in the refuge visitor center each year until the next contest.
The winning art from the national contest is used to create a Junior Duck Stamp. The stamp is available for $5 online and at the 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 can be found online at fws.gov/juniorduck.
Entries must be postmarked or delivered by March 15 to Muscatatuck NWR, 12985 E. U.S. 50, Seymour, IN 47274.
Information: Junior Duck Stamp state coordinator Donna Stanley at 812-522-4352 or [email protected]