Aug. 30, 2005

For Information Contact:

Jerry Feaser

717-705-6541

PGCNEWS@state.pa.us

The following news release contains two articles:

1) GAME COMMISSION NAMES WINNER OF WTFW ART CONTEST

2) SPECIAL PATCH TO HONOR 25 YEARS OF WTFW PROGRAM

HARRISBURG - Judy Schrader, of Warren County, recently was named the winning artist for the Pennsylvania Game Commission's 2006 Working Together for Wildlife fine art print contest.

Titled "Hummingbird Hangout," the print features a trio of ruby-throated hummingbirds (two male and one female), as well as a monarch and a tiger swallowtail butterfly and a variety of colorful plants.

Founded in 1980, the Working Together for Wildlife program has raised more than $3 million to support research and reintroduction of non-game wildlife species native to Pennsylvania, including the bald eagle, osprey, river otter and fisher.

Surrounded by the Allegheny National Forest, Judy Schrader resides in Cherry Grove, a small village in rural northwest Pennsylvania, with a population of 200. Judy combines her love of animals and the outdoors with her love of painting. She gets her inspiration through the beautiful scenery and animals in the forest and on surrounding farms.

Schrader has been devoted to art from childhood. She credits her artistic talent to her grandfather, Ernest Albaugh, a self-taught artist. Although drawing since childhood, she didn't begin painting until 1978. Judy never had formal art classes, however she took lessons from her friend Shirley Smith for about a year. When she finished a painting with Shirley, she always made sure her grandfather gave his stamp of approval. Another friend, Geraldine Slocum also helped her by critiquing her work and giving advice and moral support throughout the years.

The print will be published on the cover of the January 2006 issue of Pennsylvania Game News, the agency's official monthly magazine. Shortly afterward, wildlife art enthusiasts will be able to purchase an unframed copy of the 15- by 22.5-inch print, on acid-free paper, for $125, plus shipping and handling costs. A high-quality framed print will sell for $222.50, plus shipping and handling costs.

Also, the agency will offer a patch featuring the ruby-throated hummingbird next year.

HARRISBURG - In honor of 25 years of the Working Together for Wildlife Program, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is offering for sale a special collector's edition six-inch patch. At a cost of $20 (tax included), the patch includes depictions of six birds and mammals that have been featured species on previous patches, which normally measure four-inches in diameter.

Species from previous WTFW patches featured on the collectible patch are: eastern bluebird (1984); a red fox (1991); beaver (1995); and peregrine falcon (1996). It also features a flying squirrel (1980-early 1990s) and male cardinal (since 1990s), which have been on the agency's companion "WE NEED WILDLIFE" patch.

All patches are available at Game Commission offices, by calling toll-free 1-888-888-3459, or by visiting "The Outdoor Shop" on the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on "Merchandise" and then choose "Patches."

In 1980 the Game Commission created a patch featuring a flying squirrel and the words "WE NEED WILDLIFE." A $5 contribution included the patch, a decal of the same size and design, and information on the need for nongame wildlife contributions, all in a special 3-pocket folder.

In 1982, the agency developed a 4-inch, circular embroidered patch featuring an osprey and the words "Working Together for Wildlife - Pennsylvania Game Commission." For a $2 donation, a person could obtain the patch and information on the osprey reintroduction project. A decal of the same size and design could be purchased for $1. The limited edition of 10,000 patches sold out in less than a year.

The WTFW series alternates each year between bird and mammal species.

"The WTFW program is likely the foundation for all other organizations with collectible patches and is possibly the first in the country to benefit wildlife," said Carl Graybill, Game Commission Bureau of Information and Education director. "It is the oldest and strongest collectible wildlife patch series we know of."

WTFW patches yet to sell out can be purchased through the agency's website and at all Game Commission offices. Patches currently are available from 1999 through 2005.

"Since its inception, WTFW has generated more than $3 million to benefit wildlife, and the program continues to sell more than 20,000 patches and several hundred prints each year," Graybill said. "To quote from the original flyer accompanying the osprey patch, 'under today's funding pressures, it's unrealistic to expect hunters alone to provide completely for all wildlife needs. Constantly growing demands on our environment and natural resources, encroaching suburbs, shopping centers and highways, modern agricultural practices and many other conflicting land uses destroy more and more productive wildlife habitat every day."

More information on the WTFW series can be found in the May 2005 issue of Pennsylvania Game News article by Lori Richardson titled "25 Years in the Works." To view a copy of the article online, go to the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on the Game News icon in the lower left-hand side of the homepage, click on "2005 Featured Articles" in the "Archives" section on the right-hand side of the screen, and then scroll down to the May 2005 topics and choose "25 Years in the Works."

To order Game News, go to "The Outdoor Shop" on the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on "Subscribe" and follow the instructions. Also, you can order the magazine by calling 1-888-888-1019; or write: Pennsylvania Game News, 2001 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797. VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are accepted.