Kids, express your love of nature and waterfowl through art! Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is once again hosting the Virginia division of the Federal Jr. Duck Stamp Design Contest.

Students in grades K-12 are invited to submit artwork of permitted North American waterfowl species to the refuge by March 15th. Entries will then be judged by a panel of conservation professionals artists, and teachers. All participants receive certificates of appreciation and winners receive ribbons and a variety of prizes. The top winning entry from Virginia will join other state winners at the national Junior Duck Stamp Contest and become eligible for cash prizes, a trip to Washington D.C., and the use of their design to create the year's Junior Duck Stamp.

Proceeds from the sale of Junior Duck Stamps support conservation education and provide awards and scholarships f or the students, teachers, and schools that participate in the program.

Contest rules are available at the Refuge as well as from the Federal Duck Stamp web site, http://duckstamps.fws.gov  and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service home page, www.fws.gov .

We look forward to seeing your artwork!

Laurel Faith
Virginia Coordinator Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program