Stamp design contest plugs kids into nature
What could be better than getting kids off the couch and away from computer games? Couple that with a little learning about conservation, the habitat, and wildlife, and some feel nothing could be better.
At least that's true for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which has sponsored an annual national Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest since 1993.
"The contest has been going on for quite awhile," said Pat Winkelman, president of the Vehe Farm Foundation.
"The winning stamp each year is put out to help provide funding for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and for programs. Nationwide, revenue from the combined adult and children's programs has resulted in $670 million for habitat conservation."
Each state has three first-place, second-place, and third-place winners, along with one honorable mention in four grade-level categories. The national "Best in Show" winner's artwork is used for the stamp, which sells for $5. The contest is open to public, private and home-schooled students. This year there were 532 entrants from Illinois.
"Kids had their choice of media," said Maureen Pratscher, village of Deer Park trustee.
"Each entry had to be 9-by-12, less than a quarter inch thick, a horizontal image and a live portrayal of a native North American duck, swan or goose. It could be black-and-white or full color. Children could use ink, paint, pastels, crayons, or pencils.
"Nothing could be computer generated, and photography was not accepted."
After first exhibiting at Volo Bog in Ingleside, the village of Deer Park is hosting the 2008 state winning entries at the Vehe Barn.
Forty reproductions of the winning art are on display now through the end of February, when it will move to another location in the state.
"The Illinois Department of Natural Resources contacted us to be the host," said Winkelman. "We were chosen because we have proven service to the community and we help the village oversee and maintain prairie and wetlands."
The location is a "natural fit" to Pratscher.
"Nature-based play is one of the initiatives at the farm," she said. "This contest gets kids interested in nature and takes their focus off the video games and TV."
Pratscher also hopes hosting the event in this area will make teachers in the Northwest suburbs aware of the contest.
"It's a great opportunity to get the word out to them," she said. "And if a class needs inspiration for the 2009 contest, they can look to the wetlands 100 yards away."
After taking in the display housed in the refurbished late 1800s barns, visitors can explore the municipal campus. In addition to an old farmhouse, which now serves as the village hall, there is a chicken coop, two corncribs, a windmill and a butterfly garden.
"It's the perfect spot for the exhibit," said Pratscher.
"We refer to Vehe Barn as the crown jewel of Deer Park. We're hoping people take the time to walk the wonderful natural areas when they come."
If you go
What: 2008 Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest state winners exhibit
When: Now through the end of February
Where: Vehe Barn, 23570 W. Cuba Road, Deer Park
Admission: Free
Hours vary: Call Yvonne Keith at (847) 438-0764 to schedule a visit or for more information
2009 contest info: www.fws.gov/juniorduck/ArtContest.htm