Join The Land Conservancy's Amateur Photo Contest

Posted May 04, 2016 11:00 pm

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County

Lisa Meinhard-Sly of Fox River Grove won first place with her grouping of flowers at Wilson Conservation Area in Lake in the Hills. In these two acres, you will find oaks, wildflowers, deer and birds just as they were centuries ago. Courtesy of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County

Are you an amateur photographer looking for a challenge? Do you enjoy nature? Are you looking for a chance to have your photography in a public show and possibly win a cash award?

For $10, you can sign up for The Land Conservancy of McHenry County's Amateur Photo Contest.

You will be matched with a property that The Land Conservancy preserves or manages, and you will have until late August to visit the site and photograph plants, animals, insects and scenic views that inspire you!

Many properties are privately owned and not accessible to the public. With more than 2,100 acres preserved and/or managed at 100 sites across the county, there is a great variety of properties for both new and experienced photographers!

First-, second- and third-place awards will be given in the amounts of $100, $75 and $50. There is also a youth category, age 16 and younger, with a $25 cash prize for the winning photo.

The selected images will be shown at The Land Conservancy's 2016 "Art of the Land" event in September. Photos will be posted on the website and may be used in publications to highlight the beauty of the land. A photo catalog will be produced and available in late 2016.

The deadline for entries is 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19. You do not need to be a McHenry County resident to compete.

To get details or receive a copy of the contest rules and application, contact Melissa Grycan at mgrycan@conservemc.org, call (815) 337-9502. Or visit www.conservemc.org to read the guidelines and fill out the photo contest application.

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County is a local, member-supported nonprofit organization that works with individuals and communities to preserve the natural, scenic and agricultural land heritage of McHenry County.

Kendal Stephens of Fox River Grove took second place with his photo taken at Powers Creek Conservation Area in Crystal Lake. This 12-acre site is a living testament to the power of restoration, harboring uncommon species like turtlehead and Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly. Courtesy of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County

Paul McFadden of Algonquin won third place with his photo taken at Acorn Lane in Lake in the Hills. This area is a complex of wetlands and prairies, and with the recent oak plantings it provides habitat and beauty. Courtesy of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County

Avril Westphal of Harvard won in the Youth Category with her photo taken at Simon Conservation Area in Harvard. This one-acre easement is a beautiful stretch of land with the Nippersink Creek running through it. Courtesy of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County

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