Focus on Native Trees, Shrubs with Wildlife

This year we will have a two part photo contest that features trees and shrubs throughout the seasons. Each part will have its own set of winners. Part 1 of our photo contest calls for photos of trees and shrubs in the spring and summer. We are looking for photos that show new budding and flowering trees and melting snow in the spring and full green canopies in the sunshine in the summer. Maybe you could even feature newly planted saplings! Bonus points are alloted if you are able to capture wildlife in the photos as well. You may submit entries to part one on our website from April 1- September 30, 2023.

Part 2 of this years photo contest will feature trees and shrubs in the fall and winter. It will run from October 1, 2023- March 31, 2024. Have your cameras ready for the cooler weather!

Melissa Barrick, District Manager “All the native entries will be featured on our Facebook, Instagram, website and potentially other educational or promotional items for the SWCD. The first-place winner will receive a 20” x 16” canvas of their photo, as well as their winning photo being in a drawing at our SWCD booth at the Crow Wing County Fair! The second-place winner will receive an 11” x 17” canvas of their photo and the third-place winner will receive 8” x 10” canvas of their photo.” The SWCD features photo contest images in our 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023 Crow Wing County Plat Books.

Examples of Native Shrubs and Trees:

Shrubs:

Trees:

Photo Requirements:

Feature a tree or shrub species native to central Minnesota in the spring or summer season. Extra points allotted for entries that include an insect (5 points) or animal (10 points).
Original work that is property of the person who submits the photo.
Label each entry with your name, phone #, name of the shrub/tree, and what city/town photo was taken.
One entry per species, limit of five entries per person.
Submit photo by email in digital format, must be a minimum resolution of 300 dpi and in .jpg format.
Trademarks, commercial names, or advertisements may not appear in the photos.
Extra points given for pollinators on a native flower, grass, shrub, or tree.
Entry will imply consent to use photos for SWCD educational and promotional activities.
Credit will be placed on each photo for all photographers.