Forest Preserve Photo Contest Entries Due July 31

Time is running out to enter July's portion of the Forest Preserve District of Will County's Preserve the Moment photo contest for a chance to win this month's cash prize and be in the running for the much larger grand prize.

So far the contest has received hundreds of entries running the gamut from nature scenery to incredible action shots featuring wildlife. There are so many wonderful things to see out in the preserves and your challenge is to perfectly frame the shot and impress the judges.

If you haven't already submitted your shots for July, be sure to do so by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, July 31. Each monthly finalist — as voted on by a panel of judges — will receive a $75 MasterCard gift card and advance into a final round of judging once the contest concludes on Dec. 31. The top three winners will be determined by a public vote on the District’s Facebook page, with the first-place winner receiving a $500 gift card; second place, $250; and third place, $150.

Three random drawings also will be held for all contest participants and those three winners will each receive a $75 MasterCard gift card. All who enter will receive a participation gift.

LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION?

• Take a hike at one of these magnificent locations and see what photographic opportunities you stumble upon.
• Check out our Will County Wildlife Facebook Group to see what everyone else is spotting throughout the county these days.
• Attend one of the upcoming programs where wildlife viewing will be center stage and bring along your camera.
• Check out our Instagram account and Flickr page.

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS NOW

Participants may enter up to five digital photos per month. All photos must be uploaded via the District’s contest upload page. Be sure to fill out all of the required categories, including the date and location the photo was taken.

Photos must be taken by amateur photographers age 18 or older, and they must be snapped in a Will County forest preserve during the contest period, which began on April 1. For instance, pictures taken at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, which is owned by the U.S. Forest Service, and Pilcher Park, which is a City of Joliet park, will not qualify for the contest.

For a list of all Forest Preserve locations, check out the District's preserve page and be sure to read the contest rules before entering. Entries not adhering to the rules will automatically be disqualified.

The Preserve the Moment photo contest is sponsored by The Nature Foundation of Will County.