We are thrilled to announce the winners of NVCT's Nearby Nature Photo Contest! From April 1 - 22, 2023, we received numerous submissions from talented photographers showcasing their love for nature and the beauty of the outdoors. The winning photographs were selected for their ability to inspire people to care about the environment and the importance of its protection.
In the "Smartphone Snaps" category, the first-place winner is Mikayla David's "Sunnies," capturing beautifully bright sunflowers in contrast with threatening rain clouds.
Addison Knight's "Dewdrop" takes the runner-up spot, showcasing the delicate beauty of nature up close.
Art Cole's "Little Flapper" takes first place in the "Spring Renewal" category, portraying the spirit of new beginnings and growth, flapping without flight. Jane Gamble's "The Merganser Family" is the runner-up, capturing a heartwarming moment of kinship.
Jane Gamble takes first place in the "Streams, Creeks and Waterways" category as well, with her photo "Make Way for Ducklings," showcasing a protective mother duck and her younglings.
Ben Chapuis's "Big Rocks" takes the runner-up spot, highlighting the power rock and the purity of water.
Gray Snyder's "Boy in Tree" takes first place in the "People in the Outdoors" category, portraying the joy and excitement of a young boy as he experiences the great pastime of tree climbing.
Eliana Lee's "Family Happiness" is the runner-up, capturing a special moment shared between a mother and daughter in gazing at colorful flowers.
Finally, we are thrilled to showcase the winners of the "Photos by Our Youth" category, where Holly Purcell's "Cheery Cherry" takes first place, displaying the youthful exuberance of springtime through cherry blossoms.
Simone Ichwantoro's "Fallen Blossom" is the runner-up, highlighting the fragile beauty of nature.
Congratulations to all of the winners and a huge thank you to everyone who submitted their photographs. Your passion for nature and the outdoors is truly inspiring!
Smartphone Snaps
First Place: Sunnies by Mikayla David
Runner Up: Dewdrop by Addison Knight
Spring Renewal
First Place: Little Flapper by Art Cole
Runner Up: The Merganser Family by Jane Gamble
Streams, Creeks and Waterways
First Place: Make Way for Ducklings by Jane Gamble
Runner Up: Big Rocks by Ben Chapuis
People in the Outdoors
First Place: Boy in Tree by Gray Snyder
Runner Up: Family Happiness by Eliana Lee
Photos by Our Youth
First Place: Cheery Cherry by Holly Purcell
Runner Up: Fallen Blossom by Simone Ichwantoro
Is this an annual competition?
I found it surprising that most of the photos selected as winners featured non-native plants. While they are lovely photos, it seems that the conservation mission of NVCT would be best reflected in images of our indigenous nature, such as the three that you did select.