Open Space District Launches Photo Contest

Got a fabulous nature pic from a nearby park? The fourth annual Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Digital Photo Contest is under way.

Mountain View has a lot of great parks and Stevens Creek Trail. Unfortunately, the city no hills. So if you head up to any District preserve, like Rancho San Antonio, Los Trancos, Montebello or any other, don't forget to snap a photo!

The contest, which closes Sunday, Mar. 18, 2012, is open to professional and amateur photographers alike, and limited to three pictures per person. The photos must be taken in a District preserve.

This year’s competition has expanded to five categories, including wildlife, plant life, landscapes, people and artistic/contemporary.

"We’re always impressed by the diversity of images found on our preserves," said District Web Administrator Vicky Gou. "The contest serves as a great tool to spark interest in nature."

Last year’s contest attracted 700 images. First launched in 2008, it seeks to "share the natural beauty of the District’s open space preserves and encourage exploration and recreation," according to a statement released today by Gou.

Details of the contest, including rules, are available here. Prizes include Rodu 2 XD streaming media players, Amazon gift cards and subscriptions to SmugMug. Photos must be submitted through MROSD’s SmugMug contest gallery. Previous winners and District employees are not eligible, and images submitted must be from a District preserve that is open to the public.

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Additional reporting by Claudia Cruz.