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PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Entry forms only available online for the 2009 competition

SPRINGFIELD- The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest is an annual educational program and art contest, sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The contest is open to students in Kindergarten -12th grades enrolled in public, private, home schools or private art studios.

“The program offers students the opportunity to learn valuable concepts about wetland and waterfowl conservation,” said IDNR Acting Director Sam Flood. “This is a fun and easy way for children to get involved in protecting our natural resources.”

The 2009 Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest rules, information and entry forms are now available. Go to http://www.fws.gov/juniorduck/ArtContest.htm to download a copy. Please note that a hard copy will not be automatically mailed to schools this year. Applications are due to the IDNR Division of Education by March 15, 2009.

Entries are judged in four categories (divided by grade level), with the “Best of Show” selected as the top entry from all categories. All entrants receive a certificate, while prizes are awarded to the first, second and third place winners.

The wining artwork from the National Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design competition is reproduced on the annual Junior Duck Stamp. Junior Duck Stamps are sold for $5 each by the U.S. Postal Service and at many National Wildlife Refuges around the country. Proceeds from the sale of these stamps are used to support the contest and youth education and conservation programs.

For more information about the National Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest, contact the IDNR Division of Education at dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov or 217/524-4126.

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CONTACTS: Chris McCloud

(217) 558-1540

Stacey Solano

(217) 558-0994

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