Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest Opens for Submissions

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BOSTON — Students in Massachusetts have the chance to showcase their artistic talents and deepen their understanding of nature through the MassWildlife's Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) art contest.

Open to students from kindergarten through grade 12, the competition invites young artists to create original artwork featuring ducks, geese, or swans in their natural wetland habitats. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 15, 2025.

The JDS contest blends art and science, encouraging participants to explore waterfowl conservation and the importance of wetlands while expressing their knowledge creatively. The program includes a curriculum designed to support educators in teaching about wildlife and conservation, making it a resource for art and science teachers, as well as homeschooling parents.

Entries are judged at the state level in four age categories, with the Best of Show advancing to the national competition. Students, teachers, and parents can find entry guidelines and educational materials on the JDS website.

For more information, contact Pam Landry at pam.landry@mass.gov.

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Pittsfield Parks OKs Annual Events, Hears Wahconah Park Idea

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Parks Commission signed off on some annual city events on Tuesday. 

Commissioners approved the 80th annual Eggstravaganza Egg Scramble, the Westside Legends' 6th annual Easter egg hunt, and another lineup of Eagles Band concerts in the park.  The Eagles Community Band is in its 90th year. 

Pittsfield's 80th egg hunt will be held at The Common on Saturday, April 4 (rain date April 11) from 10 to noon. The free event is open to children ages 2-11 and will feature a balloon artist, a face painter, the Easter bunny, and, of course, plastic eggs filled with small prizes. 

The Westside Easter Egg Hunt, organized by the Westside Legends, is on the same day, April 4, from 1 to 3 p.m at Durant Park.  It was scheduled to not conflict with the city's event, and will include tabling from community organizations, and some raffles. 

City officials are also planning an opportunity to appreciate the Wahconah Park grandstand's century of history in Pittsfield. Demolition is currently out to bid, and prices are expected the first week of March. 

"We want to have some conversation around opening up the grandstand one last time for the community to come in and look around and share memories," Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath reported. 

"I think it would we'd be remiss if we just brought in the wrecking ball and people were like, 'Wait a minute, I didn't have a chance to have one last look out from my favorite spot in the grandstand,' So we're going to figure out how to do that, how to get that done safely, and just how to celebrate this with some folks." 

He has been in touch with Larry Moore of Berkshire Baseball to share facts about the park, "and just remind people how much of a storied past Wahconah Park has had, and just keep hope alive for the next iteration of Wahconah Park, whatever that looks like." 

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