Conservation through the arts

The contest is available to all students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. This conservation program is designed to teach students about waterfowl and their habitat through an art and science-based curriculum. Participants select a species of North American waterfowl, research the species and its habitat, and finally depict the waterfowl in an artistic medium.

The entries will be judged in April by a panel of five judges from the wildlife and art community in the area. One hundred ribbons are awarded in four age groups, with all entrants receiving a certificate of participation.

From the twelve first place winners, a Best of Show is chosen to be sent to Washington, D.C. to compete for national first place honors. The national winner will be depicted on the 2005 Federal Junior Duck Stamp. In addition, the winner will receive $5,000 and a free trip to Washington, D.C., along with his art teacher, one parent/guardian, and the Junior Duck Stamp State Coordinator. The second place winner receives $3,000 and third place receives $2,000.

Entries must be postmarked by March 15, 2005 and mailed to the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 399, Prairie City, Iowa, 50228. Contest regulations and an entry form can be obtained from the duck stamp website at http://duckstamps.fws.gov or by contacting Doreen Van Ryswyk at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge at (515)994-3400.