Submit Photos for a Complimentary DNR Calendar and Magazine

DNR Launches Foursquare Promotion for 2012 Photo Contest

Annapolis, Md. (July 3, 2012) ─ From fishing on the Bay to enjoying a sunset hike, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages everyone to submit their photos capturing the State’s outdoor recreation and natural wonders! From now until August 30, Foursquare members who “check in” at any Maryland State Park will receive the most recent edition of the Maryland Natural Resource Magazine and 2012 Calendar when they submit their prints to DNR’s 2012 Photo Contest. In addition, the contest’s winners will receive great prizes and their photos will be published in the 2013 calendar and the magazine.

“The contest is a great way for photographers of all skill levels to showcase their work and Maryland’s beauty,” said Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina. “And Foursquare is a great tool for park visitors to connect with one another and offer up helpful tips and comments.”

Here is how it works:

1. Participants must download the Foursquare app on their Smartphone, visit a Maryland State Park and “check in.”
2. Once visitors are checked in, they will be provided with instructions on how to print and complete the photo entry form from their computer.
3. Participants must then mail the completed form with hard copies of their photos (no electronic photos will be accepted).
4. Once DNR receives the Foursquare user’s form and photos, it will send the publications (one copy of each, per person).

Foursquare is a mobile web application where members note their location and share what they are up to with others. Park visitors can download the Foursquare app using any GPS-enabled mobile device. After a visitor has checked in at the park using Foursquare, they are able to interact with other users that have checked in at the same location by sharing tips, fun ideas and photos. Users are also able to send that information to their Twitter and Facebook accounts using the Foursquare app.

Visit the Maryland State Parks Foursquare homepage at https://foursquare.com/mdstateparks to open an account and get started. Visitors who already have the app installed on their phones can search for the park they are visiting and check in.

More information on the 2012 DNR Photo Contest is available at dnr.state.md.us/photocontest/.

Everyone can keep up with Maryland State Parks, by following @MDStateParks on Twitter and clicking “like” on Maryland State Parks Facebook page.

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. 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