Press Releases
05/26/2026
DEEP Announces Winner of 2026 Connecticut Junior Duck Stamp Art Competition
Winning Artwork to be Featured on the 2027 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp
(HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today that an acrylic painting of a common goldeneye taking flight, created by Mansfield resident Megan Song (grade 8), will be featured on the 2027 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation (Duck) Stamp. Megan’s painting, titled “Taking Off from Water,” was selected as “Best of Show” in the 2026 Connecticut Junior Duck Stamp Art Competition and also earned first place in the 7th–9th grade category. Her artwork will go on to represent Connecticut in the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest.
The Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp Program was established in the early 1990s when concerned sportsmen and sportswomen worked with DEEP to develop legislation that would generate funding for wetland conservation. Modeled after the federal Duck Stamp Program, Connecticut’s program requires waterfowl hunters to purchase a state Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp in addition to a hunting license. By law, funds generated through stamp sales are dedicated solely to the conservation, management, and acquisition of waterfowl habitat and wetlands, as well as related recreational rights and interests.
“The Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp Program highlights how hunters and outdoor enthusiasts directly support conservation efforts across Connecticut,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “The Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp is a vital source of funding for wetland projects, protecting critical habitat that supports waterfowl along with many other plants and animals. Congratulations to Megan on a beautiful painting that will be featured on next year’s stamp! Thanks to all of the artists who submitted artwork for consideration, and thank you to everyone who purchased a stamp to support conservation here in Connecticut.”
More on the Artist: Megan Song
Megan Song began creating art at age five, starting with markers and watercolors before expanding to colored pencils and acrylics. After joining her older brother in art class, she discovered a lasting passion for drawing and painting. She credits her teacher, Mrs. Linlin Zhang, for eight years of guidance across a variety of artistic styles. Outside of art, Megan is a competitive swimmer, runs track, plays the cello, and enjoys Math and History Day. This is her third year participating in the Connecticut Junior Duck Stamp Art Competition. As she has grown older, she has become more aware of the importance of protecting ecosystems and is inspired to advocate for conservation. Megan is honored to receive this award and to contribute to a program that supports wildlife conservation.
More on the Junior Duck Stamp Art Competition
From 2012 to 2020, DEEP held a nationwide contest to select artwork for the Connecticut Duck Stamp. Beginning in 2021, the state transitioned to featuring artwork from the winner of the Connecticut Junior Duck Stamp Art Competition. This change highlights the work of Connecticut students while encouraging conservation awareness through participation in the Junior Duck Stamp Program.
Students in kindergarten through high school who participate in the program are introduced to concepts related to wetland conservation, waterfowl biology, and natural resource stewardship. The program encourages students to explore the natural world, learn about wildlife management, and express their understanding through art.
The annual competition is coordinated and sponsored by the Connecticut Waterfowl Association in cooperation with DEEP’s Wildlife Division. Entries are submitted by students in grades K–12 from schools, art programs, and individual participants. Each entry must include a written conservation message about the species depicted. Submissions are judged within four age groups, with top entries advancing to determine the statewide winner. Participation is free and open to all Connecticut students.
More on the Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp Program
The Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp Program has generated more than $1.7 million for wetland and upland habitat conservation in Connecticut. These funds have helped secure additional federal matching grants, bringing the total investment in conservation projects to more than $4 million. As a result, more than 3,845 acres of wetlands have been restored or enhanced, primarily on state-owned wildlife management areas.
Program funds also have supported the acquisition of 75 acres of critical habitat and habitat improvement projects at more than 50 sites statewide. These efforts benefit many of the approximately 274 species of birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles in Connecticut that depend on healthy wetland ecosystems. Since 2021, Migratory Bird Stamp funding has contributed, in part, towards the restoration of 110 acres of inland wetlands, 100 acres of saltmarsh habitat, and the permanent protection of another 73 acres of inland wetland and associated upland habitat.
Additional support for wetland conservation is provided through federal funding from the hunter-supported Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program.
Purchase of Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamps is open to all. Anyone who wishes to support wetland conservation and restoration in our state is encouraged to buy a Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp. Stamps can be purchased for $17 each wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold: via participating town clerks, participating retail agents, and through DEEP’s Online Sportsmen Licensing System. Stamps can also be purchased through DEEP’s Online Store. Upon request, stamps can be sent through the mail. A limited number of Conservation Edition Prints, signed and uniquely remarqued by the artists, are also available for purchase. All proceeds from the sale of these prints go into the Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. Information about purchasing the prints is available on the DEEP Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp Webpage, and additional information about the art competition can be found on the DEEP Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest Webpage.
Do your part for conservation: buy a Migratory Bird Conservation stamp and contribute to habitat protection and restoration.
Winner of the 2026 Connecticut Junior Duck Stamp Art Competition and featured artwork for the 2027 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp, created by Megan Song, grade 8, from Mansfield Center.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.Communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110