Last Chance To Enter 7th Annual Natural Resource Photo Contest

Annapolis, Md. (August 19, 2010) — There are less than two weeks remaining for student, amateur and professional photographers to enter the 7th Annual Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will accept photo entries of Maryland’s diverse natural resources through August 31.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to not only showcase the work of talented local photographers, but also to highlight the natural beauty our State has to offer,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin.

Last year, My Phuong Nguyen of Burtonsville submitted the winning image, entitled “Egret Dancing,” topping more than 300 other photographers. There were five additional first place winners for each category, including Steven Dembo of Pikesville in the State Parks category; Karen L. Messick of Baltimore in the Mountains to the Bay category; David Gigliotti of Bel Air in the Insect category; and Natalie K. Overholt of Westover in the Wildlife category.

Photos entered into the 2010 contest will be judged within six categories: birds, wildlife, insects, scenic, floral and outdoor recreation. Winning entries will be featured in the winter issue of The Maryland Natural Resource magazine as well as the 2011 DNR calendar.

The best overall photo will win the grand prize of $500, a 2011 Maryland State Park Passport, a lifetime subscription to the Maryland Natural Resource magazine and five copies of the 2011 DNR Calendar, which will feature the winning photo on the cover.

First place winners in each category will receive a Maryland State Park Passport, a two year subscription to the Maryland Natural Resource magazine and two copies of the 2011 DNR Calendar. Second place winners will receive a one-year subscription to the magazine and a calendar.

All qualifying photographs must be taken in Maryland. Photographers may submit up to three entries for a $10 entry fee with an additional $3 for each additional entry beyond three. Photos cannot be more than two years old or previously published. Non-residents may participate as long as the photos were taken in Maryland. Winners will be announced online September 30.

Official rules and contest entry forms are available online at www.dnr.maryland.gov/photocontest/.
 

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov