NEW THIS YEAR: Photo entries will be separated into three categories.

1. Trees, shrubs, flowers and plants that are native to Minnesota.

2. Minnesota wildlife. This includes animals, insects, birds, etc.

3. Minnesota natural landscapes. Scenic shots of lakes, rivers, forests, etc. 

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Submit photos using the photo submission form below. We will separate entries into the appropriate categories. If your photo fits more than one category, we will choose which category fits the subject of your photo best.

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Photo entries may be featured on our Facebook, Instagram, website, plat books and potentially other educational or promotional items for the SWCD.

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Examples of Native Shrubs, Trees, and Flowers:                         

         

Shrubs: 

• Black Cherry                                        

• False Indigo

• Highbush Cranberry

• Nannyberry

• Red-osier Dogwood

• Serviceberry/Juneberry

 

​​​​​​​Trees:      

• American Wild Plum

• Jack Pine

• Red Pine

• Staghorn Sumac 

• White Pine 

• White Spruce                                 

                                 

Flowers:      

• Aster

• Wild Bergamot

• Blazing Star

• Prairie Clover

• Cone Flower

• Wild Rose

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Visit Minnesota Wildflowers for more examples of native trees, shrubs and plants.

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Prizes:

SWCD staff will vote on their favorite photos in each of the three categories. The first-place winner in each category will receive a canvas print of their photo. A canvas print of the top vote-getting photo will also be given away at the Crow Wing County Fair. 

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Photo Requirements:

• Photos must be taken in Minnesota.

• Photos must accurately fit one of the three photo contest categories.

• Entries must be original work that is property of the person who submits the photo.

• Label each photo with a short description of the photo (including the name of the shrub/tree/plant/animal, and where in Minnesota the photo was taken), and your name. For example: OakTreeWithBarredOwl_Merrifield_JohnDoe

• Limit of five entries per person.

• Submit photo in digital format, must be a minimum resolution of 600 dpi and in .jpg format.

• Trademarks, commercial names, or advertisements may not appear in the photos.

• Entry will imply consent to use photos for SWCD educational and promotional activities.

• Credit will be placed on each photo for all photographers.​

 

How to participate:

• Enter photos in form below

• Questions? Call 218-828-6197 or e-mail tasha@cwswcd.org

• Deadline: OCTOBER 31, 2026