The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to announce the 2017 Wildlife Photography Contest at Trailside Nature & Science Center. Amateur photographers, ages six through adult, are invited to enter their original photographs of wild animals in their natural habitat.
“Wild animals are challenging photographic subjects and the Wildlife Photography Contest is a great opportunity for people of all ages to put their skills to the test and attempt to capture animals in their natural habitat,” stated Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.
Last year the winners of the Wildlife Photography Contested included George Valladares of Clark in the adult category for ages 18 and older for his photo of a Carolina Wren, Aram Vlahogiannis of Rutherford in the 12 – 17 year old category for his Diamondback Terrapin photo and Keith Mann of Scotch Plains in the 6 – 11 year old category for his photo of an Eastern Gray Squirrel.
Only images of wildlife species native to the United States are eligible for submission. Images of exotic wildlife, pets or domestic animals will not be considered. Individuals may enter a maximum of two photographs. Entries must be un-matted, un-framed 5” X 7” black and white or color prints. Entries must be received or postmarked no later than Friday, April 14, 2017.
Photographs entered into the Wildlife Photography Contest will be judged by local professional photographers for originality, composition, technical excellence and artistic merit. Participants can enter one of three age groups; 6 – 11, 12 – 17 or 18 and older. Four winners in each age group will have their photographs published in Trailside’s 2018 calendar. Winners will be announced on Sunday, April 30, 2017 during Trailside’s Wild Earth Fest event.
To obtain a brochure with the complete list of rules and entry form for the Wildlife Photography contest, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.