Friends of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center Photo Contest - 2026

Primary Contest Rules: 1. Only photos taken on prairies located on public land since September 13, 2025 may be entered. 2. The contest is open to amateurs; those who derive less than 5% of their income taking photographs. 3. Up to 5 photos per person may be entered: no more than 2 photos per category. 4. Photos may be digitally corrected and cropped from originals but must not have any digitally added elements or effects not existing in the original scene, including text or imprinted dates. (See later information on digital editing). 5. Entries (digital jpeg photo files and completed entry form) must be received no later than 4 pm on August 14th, 2026. 6. Enter 5x7 inch color or B&W digital jpegs with no white border. Judging is based on digital jpeg photo files.

Prairie Wildlife

Live birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, in their natural prairie habitat. Maximum of 2 Photos per Category

Prairie Plant Life

Trees, shrubs, grasses, flowers, mushrooms, and other flora in their natural prairie habitat. Maximum of 2 Photos per Category

Prairie Scenic and Recreation

Landscapes and scenic vistas, or people enjoying the recreational opportunities on prairies located on public lands. Examples include hunting, fishing, hiking, wildlife observation, and photography. Maximum of 2 Photos per Category

Prairie Invertebrates

Butterflies, moths, other insects, and aquatic invertebrates in natural habitats. Maximum of 2 Photos per Category

By submitting this entry, I confirm that I am the original creator of the photograph(s) submitted and/or have full rights and permission to enter them in this contest. I understand that my submission does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights of any third party. I grant the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center permission to use, reproduce, publish, display, and distribute my submitted photograph(s) for educational, promotional, and marketing purposes, including but not limited to print materials, websites, and social media. I understand that no additional compensation will be provided for such use. I further acknowledge that the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center may edit or crop images as needed for publication purposes while respecting the integrity of the original work.