NWRA 2015 Wildlife Refuge Photo Contest

The National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) is pleased to announce the 2015 Wildlife Refuge Photo Contest, an exciting event dedicated to showcasing the National Wildlife Refuge System’s rich diversity of wildlife and habitat. Your photos can help us promote this magnificent 150-million-acre federal lands system, a centerpiece of conservation in America.

Contest Entry

Submit up to five digital photos taken at a national wildlife refuge through our website, www.refugeassociation.org, between September 15 and November 15, 2015.

Enter to Win!

Enter for your chance to win one of the following prizes:

• Grand Prize: $1,000 cash prize
• Second prize: Set of binoculars from Eagle Optics
• Third prize: Backpack from Orvis and birdfeeder from Wild Bird Centers of America
• Fourth prize: Birdfeeder from Wild Bird Centers of America
• Ten (10) Honorable mentions: Field Guides from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Be sure to read the fineprint regarding the rules and procedures of the contest.

Winners will have their images showcased in future NWRA publications, and at least 100 top images will be selected for inclusion in the NWRA Refuge Image Library. The NWRA wishes to extend its tremendous appreciation to all its contest sponsors: Eagle Optics, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Orvis and Wild Bird Centers of America.

Previous winners

Wondering what type of photo to submit? View winning images from previous contests.

2012 Photo Contest Grand Prize Winner: Young Bobcat, San Bernard NWR, TX | Keith Ramos.
A young male bobcat curiously looks around a live oak after being released into the wild at the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, TX. Photo courtesy NWRA. Copyright Keith Ramos.

2012 Photo Contest Second Prize Winner: Manatee Kisses, Crystal River NWR, FL | Carol Grant.
A female manatee comforts a little male in the warm water springs at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, FL. Photo courtesy NWRA. Copyright Carol Grant.

2012 Photo Contest Third Prize Winner: Eagle Aerial Combat, Upper Mississippi River NWR, IL | Les Zigurski.
Bald eagles fight over fish caught from the backwater lakes of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, IL. Photo courtesy NWRA. Copyright Les Zigurski.

2012 Photo Contest Fourth Prize Winner: Yellow Warbler, St. Marks NWR, FL | Betsy Kellenberger.
A yellow warbler flits among the wildflowers trying to catch butterflies in late summer in St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, FL. Photo courtesy NWRA. Copyright Betsy Kellenberger.

2012 Photo Contest Honorable Mention: Great Horned Owl, Camas NWR, ID | Lloyd Bush. Photo courtesy NWRA. Copyright Lloyd Bush.

2012 Photo Contest Honorable Mention: Bonyard Sunrise, Cape Roman NWR, NC | Ben Sumrell. Photo courtesy NWRA. Copyright Ben Sumrell.

2012 Photo Contest Honorable Mention: Hawaiian Monk Seal Pup, Northwest Hawaiian Islands NWR, HI | Mark Sullivan. Photo courtesy NWRA. Copyright Mark Sullivan.

2012 Photo Contest Honorable Mention: Dunlin on Old Piling, Edwin B. Forsyth NWR, NJ | William Schmitz. Photo courtesy NWRA. Copyright William Schmitz.

2012 Photo Contest Honorable Mention: Working for Lunch, Ridgefield NWR, OR | Gary Davenport. Photo courtesy NWRA. Copyright Gary Davenport.

About the National Wildlife Refuge System

Established in 1903 by president Theodore Roosevelt, the National Wildlife Refuge System today consists of more than 550 individual refuges in all states and territories. These refuges are managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and provide unparalleled opportunities for Americans to learn about and appreciate wildlife and natural habitats. Visit fws.gov/refuges to find the refuge nearest you!

About the National Wildlife Refuge Association

The National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) is an independent non-profit organization with the mission to conserve America’s wildlife heritage for future generations through strategic programs that protect, enhance, and expand the National Wildlife Refuge System and the landscapes beyond its boundaries that secure its ecological integrity.

To achieve this mission, we bring together a unique perspective and creative strategies. By mobilizing Refuge Friends and other citizens in support of conservation, generating support for wildlife conservation among decision makers, and creating mosaics of public and private protected lands, NWRA is ensuring a future for wildlife across America.

1001 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 905 • Washington, DC 20036 • www.refugeassociation.org • facebook.com/refugeassociation