NWTF Announces New Forests and Flocks Stamp
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The NWTF launched its all-new Forests and Flocks stamp, the second stamp in its Conservation Initiative Stamp Series. Based in the Northeast, Forest and Flocks is a 10-year, landscape-scale conservation effort focused on the wild turkey’s annual cycle needs, policy and hunting heritage.
“We are extremely proud to launch this stamp for our Forests and Flocks Initiative,” said Sydney Broadaway, NWTF director of membership. “Whether you want to keep it as a collector’s item or display it proudly, the stamp is a great way to show off your appreciation for wildlife art while supporting the NWTF's mission.”
The stamp artwork features original artwork by Melissa Ball, a Pennsylvania wildlife artist. The stamp’s artwork features two strutting toms and three jakes on a foggy Northeastern morning. Along the bottom, Ball painted Mayapples, morels and dogwood blossoms.
“Mayapples around home are a fun indicator of when turkey season is finally here and in full swing,” Ball said. “And it's hard not to associate the Pennsylvania spring gobbler season with morels and dogwood blossoms!”
The idea for this artwork was inspired by one of her earlier paintings she did to commemorate the Pennsylvania NWTF State Chapter’s 30th anniversary called, “Runnin' with the Big Boys,” which featured a parade of gobblers coming down a ridge with a single jake walking alongside them.
“It had always been one of my favorites,” Ball said. “So, when the [Pennsylvania] state chapter’s 50th anniversary hit in January, I was working with the state chapter to do a similar commemorative set. I started the painting, but life got busy, so I decided to put it on the back burner rather than rush. Fast forward to when I was contacted about the stamp and what they wanted it to be, and it was almost an exact description of what I had already done in my studio. It felt like it was meant to be.”
The stamp artwork depicts two jakes because Ball believes they are an integral part of the spring turkey season but tend to be under-represented in paintings. ‘Leading by Example,’ the Forests and Flocks stamp painting, shows a story of mentorship as the naive flock of jakes forage in the middle of the field, while the seasoned gobblers skirt the edge of the forest. Ball believes that it tells this story of the new generation learning from the last, which is exactly how she sees Forests and Flocks.
“As far as what I hope people feel from this stamp, I would have to say I hope it feels familiar,” Ball said.
Canvas prints are going to be available to NWTF chapters for 2026 through the Preferred Vendor Program.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.