Visionaries at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), with the support of the
National Fish & Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), realized the importance of educating
students about conservation. The Federal Duck Stamp Program, successful since
its inception in 1934, became the model for this newly-conceived educational
program where students would learn about conservation through the arts.
With a grant from the NFWF, a pilot curriculum for the Federal Junior Duck
Stamp Conservation and Design Program was developed and tested in Florida at
the Sanibel Elementary School on Sanibel Island.
Overseen by the USFWS, this test curriculum was soon expanded to include students
in grades K-12. The innovative program curriculum, which focused on waterfowl
and wetland education, included the designing of a waterfowl image that would
be entered into statewide competition. In 1990, California held the program's
first design competition. That same year, Florida held a contest in October
at the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The date commemorated
the birthday of Darling, a legendary conservationist who designed the first
Federal Duck Stamp.
As the program gained recognition, other states followed California and
Florida by introducing the curriculum into their school systems. However, for
the first three years, only a "best of show" design was selected
in each participating state's contest. Then, in 1993, the first national
Junior Duck Stamp Contest (with entries from 22 states) was held in
Washington, D.C.
From its modest beginning, the program has grown to include every U.S. state plus the
District of Columbia. The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Act, passed by Congress in 1994,
authorized the annual Federal Junior Duck Stamp and ordered that funds received by the
USFWS be directed toward scholarships and awards for program participants. In addition
to these funds, the Darling Foundation (founded by "Ding Darling's many friends and
admirers who continue his work in conservation) is a leading contributor to the
Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program. This is what Darling wanted, for
"Ding" was ardently interested in conservation education and projects for America's
youth; this program is the ultimate consummation of his dream. The Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program culminates in the Federal Junior
Duck Stamp Contest, which is held annually in Washington, D.C. Like the prestigious
Federal Duck Stamp Competition, the artwork of America's most talented young wildlife
artists is judged by a panel of waterfowl enthusiasts, philatelic specialists, and art
experts. The "Best of Show" winner from each state advances to the national contest
in Washington, D.C. the national first-place design is used to create that year's
Federal Junior Duck Stamp and is also featured on limited edition prints and other
licensed products. First, second, and third place national winners are honored for
their artistic achievement and contribution to the Program at a formal reception in
Washington, D.C. Winning entries are then exhibited at National Wildlife Refuges,
wildlife festivals, galleries, and state fairs nationwide.
Participants in all 50 state contests are also honored. In each state, the top 100
entries in 4 age categories are awarded ribbons and are exhibited across the state
throughout the year. Beyond the national and state levels, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service works closely with many other community-based and private organizations which
participate in the Program. Many of these organizations operate at the "grassroots"
level and also award prizes to contest participants.
The Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program extends wildlife awareness far
beyond the annual contests and the students who participate in the program. In
addition to supporting youth conservation education projects in and outside the
classroom, the program also influences friends, relatives, and those viewing contest-
entry artwork exhibited across the nation.
The program's message--awareness of the critical need to protect and preserve our
wildlife habitat--expands as the program grows. The ultimate beneficiary is our
nation's diverse waterfowl and other wildlife.
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