Winners of the Tennessee Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest Now on Display at Discovery Park of America
Union City, Tenn. – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is displaying the winners of the 27th Annual Tennessee Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest at Discovery Park of America from May 25 to June 30, 2022.
Part of the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program, the contest features an art- and science-based curriculum that teaches wetland and waterfowl conservation to students in kindergarten through high school.
“We’re thrilled to be able to partner with Discovery Park of America on helping more people discover the importance of waterfowl conservation,” said Joan Howe, refuge ranger and Tennessee state coordinator for the Junior Duck Stamp Program. “With their current exhibits and educational programs that relate to the wildlife of this region, they are a natural fit.”
While specific details have not yet been announced, Discovery Park currently has a permanent exhibit about waterfowl of the Mississippi Flyway planned for 2023.
The Junior Duck Stamp Program is managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In addition to Discovery Park, other Tennessee partners include Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Ducks Unlimited, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation and Friends of Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge.
After studying about waterfowl and their habitats, students from across the United States draw or paint a picture of an eligible North American waterfowl species. They submit their artwork to their state, territory or district art competition.
The “Best of Show” from each competition is submitted to the National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest where judges select an image to become the next Junior Duck Stamp and one they believe has the strongest conservation message. The top three artists at the national level and the student with the winning conservation message receive scholarships.
The Junior Duck Stamp Program was inspired by the successful Federal Duck Stamp Program. Waterfowl hunters ages 16 and older are required to purchase and carry a duck stamp while hunting. A Duck Stamp also provides free admission to national wildlife refuges that are open to the public. Duck stamps are sold at post offices nationwide and at many refuges and sporting goods stores. Electronic versions of the duck stamp can also be purchased online.
Revenue generated by the sales of Duck Stamps and proceeds from the Junior Duck Stamp Program fund environmental education programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and several territories.
For those interested in participating in next year’s contest, a Junior Duck Stamp curriculum guide is available for educators and homeschool parents.
Photo Caption: (Left to right) Joan Howe, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency refuge ranger and Tennessee state coordinator for the Junior Duck Stamp Program; Glenn Schreiber; Isaac Schrieber, Best of Show winner in the 2022 Junior Duck Stamp Competition; Ruth Schreiber; and Don King, chief multimedia development for Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
