Children in grades K-12 can participate in the state-wide competition for the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest. On Friday, Feb. 24, noon-2 p.m., Susan Beebe will help students get started and offer tips to those designing their own Jr. Duck Stamp.  The workshop will be at the Maine Coastal Islands NWR Visitor Center on 9 Water Street in Rockland.  Different art materials, field guides and bird reference books will be available to use onsite. Contest materials will be available as well. Registration is not required, but encouraged.  Call 594-0600 x5 or email info@mainecoastislands.org with name and age of child and a contact number, in case of bad weather. Donations accepted for art supplies.

This contest, run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, teaches students about waterfowl, the importance of wetlands, and habitat conservation. Designs are judged in four age categories, with awards for first, second, and third places and honorable mentions. Entries must be received by March 15. Contest rules and entry forms can be downloaded from www.fws.gov/juniorduck/. Proceeds from the sale of Junior Duck Stamps (which cost $5 each) support conservation education by providing awards and scholarships for students, teachers, and schools.  

On Saturday, March 25, there will be a celebration of the 2017 contestants at the L.L. Bean store in Freeport. Contestants are highly encouraged to come to this free event. The National Jr. Duck Stamp Exhibit also will be on display at L.L. Bean March 22-26.