The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is now accepting entries for the 2010 Ohio Junior Duck Stamp Contest, which is administered by the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Entries must be postmarked by March 15.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has held a Jr. Duck Stamp Contest in Ohio since 1995. Last year, Lily Spang from Toledo won the Ohio contest with a drawing of a woodduck. Lily's artwork went on to win the national contest.

"We hope to have an even broader level of participation this year from schools and students across the state," said Rebecca Hinkle, Jr. Duck Stamp state coordinator.

This dynamic educational program uses both conservation and design principles to teach wetland habitat and waterfowl biology to students in kindergarten through high school. The program provides an opportunity for students to artistically express their knowledge of the diversity, interdependence and beauty of wildlife.

"The Jr. Duck Stamp Contest celebrates children's curiosity to learn about nature," said Tom Melius, Midwest Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "By using their artistic talents, younger generations can develop an appreciation for migratory birds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife they may otherwise not be exposed to."

Students may submit artwork featuring one of the following species: whistling ducks, swans, geese, brant, dabbling ducks, diving ducks, sea ducks, mergansers, stiff tails, or Hawaiian ducks. A full list of permitted species is available online at www.fws.gov/junior duck. Judging will be open to the general public, and will be begin at 9 a.m. on March 19 at Holiday Inn, Westlake. Artwork entries will be judged on the basis of original design, anatomical accuracy, artistic composition and suitability for reproduction on a 1-inch by 1.5-inch stamp.

During the contest, students will be judged in four groups according to grade level: K-third, fourth-sixth, seventh-9, and 10-12. Three first, three second and three third place entries, along with 16 honorable mentions will be selected from each group. Contest judges select a "Best of Show" from the twelve first place winners, which will be submitted to the Federal Duck Stamp Office and entered into the National Junior Duck Stamp Contest. This year, the contest will be held at the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul on April 23. The winner of the National Junior Duck Stamp Contest, along with his/her parent or guardian and teacher will receive a free trip to a first day of sale ceremony in late June/early July.

The first place art from the national contest is used to create a National Junior Duck Stamp each year. The Junior Duck Stamp is available for $5 from the U.S. Postal Service and from many National Wildlife Refuges. Proceeds from the sale of the stamps support conservation education and provide awards and scholarships for participating students, teachers and schools.

A downloadable entry form and information on contest rules and regulations for teachers and supervising adults can be found online at www.fws .gov/jrduck. For additional information or if you have questions regarding your student's or school's participation in the Jr. Duck Stamp contest, please contact your Jr. Duck Stamp State Coordinator, Rebecca Hinkle, 419-898-0014, email: rebecca_hinkle@ fws.gov. Entries and reference forms should be postmarked by March 15 and mailed to: c/o Junior Duck Stamp Coordinator, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, 14000 West State Route 2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws .gov.