Story County Conservation Annual Photo Contest 2025

Submissions accepted Feb. 01 - March 20, 2024

We want to see the parks through your eyes! Story County Conservation (SCC) encourages picture-takers of all skill levels to submit their proudest SCC park and nature photos for the Annual Photo Contest! Amateurs only.

• Images may show people interacting with nature while recreating, scenic photos of SCC landscapes, portraits of plants and wildlife, and more.
• Images will be used by SCC to encourage the public to enjoy SCC parks and natural areas, promote programs, and more-online and in print.
• SUBMIT PHOTOS HERE.

PHOTO CATEGORIES:

• A. Connecting People with Nature- Action shots of friends, family, and four-legged companions enjoying Story County Conservation parks, trails, and campgrounds!
  1. Photos in this category must be taken in SCC parks/trails. - Ada Hayden is not owned by SCC.
• B. Landscape - Wallpaper-worthy photos showcasing scenic views of SCC parks/trails.
  1. Photos in this category must be taken in SCC parks/trails. - Ada Hayden is not owned by SCC.
• C. Flora & Fungi - Micro or macro shots of Iowa's native plants and fungi.
• D. Fauna - Portraits of Iowa's wildlife in its natural habitat.

*Ada Hayden Heritage Park is NOT owned by Story County Conservation.

WINNERS

• Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place in each category for Adult (18+) and Youth (under 18)
• Special Awards
  1. Bill Horine Best in Show
  2. SCC Magnet Award - One photo may be selected for use on a refrigerator magnet
  3. Facebook Fan Favorite - voted on by Facebook users
• Winners will be notified via email in April.

SUBMISSION

• Submit photos here from February 1 - March 15
• Individual photographers may submit up to three entries total (multiple may be submitted in each category.)
• Photos entered in categories A & B must be taken in Story County parks or natural areas. All photos must be taken in Iowa. Photos of livestock and ornamental/non-native plants will not be accepted.
• Submit via online form, CD or thumb drive. Acceptable formats include .heic, .jpg, .heif, .tif, .png, etc. RAW formats will not be accepted.
• Photo files should be named according to the following format: Photographer Last name, First name - Title of Photo, Location of Photo
  • Example: Nolte, M - Brisk Morning Walk, McFarland Park
• Photographer retains all rights to the image except for use by SCC. SCC reserves the right not to choose winners in any or all categories.
• SUBMIT PHOTOS HERE.

Helpful info:

Map of Story County Conservation parks and natural areas

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.