I wanted to reach out and remind everyone about the Jr. Duck Stamp contest as the start of the school year begins. The Junior Duck Stamp is an art and science competition for anyone from K-12th grade to create artwork of any native North American waterfowl species and compete to win art and nature supplies. In addition to having artwork displayed state-wide, winners of the Jr. Duck Stamp also have a opportunity to win scholarships and become the national winner displayed on the 2025-2026 Junior Duck Stamp! All of the proceeds gathered from this stamp goes directly towards conservation education.
Last year, South Dakota had over 270 entries from schools all over the state that incorporated scientific and wildlife observation principles with art techniques to develop a depiction of a North American waterfowl species. The 2025 South Dakota Jr. Duck Stamp winner was Autumn Braun from Ipswich (https://www.ipswichtribune.com/story/2025/04/02/news/ihs-junior-wins-best-of-show-for-duck-stamp/4880.html)!
As a note, the curriculum and activities meet National Science Education Content Standards, North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Guidelines for Learning, and National Visual Arts education standards for children in grades K-12, and other educational standards if you are interested in incorporating the program into your teaching schedule. The deadline for artwork submission is March 15 of each year.
If you are interested in learning more about the program or want to encourage your students to participate, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Contest information: https://www.fws.gov/program/junior-duck-stamp/junior-duck-stamp-contest-information
Curriculum guides: https://www.fws.gov/program/junior-duck-stamp/junior-duck-stamp-conservation-education-curriculum
