Six Mile Cypress Slough 2024 Digital Photo Contest is underway
Entries are now being accepted for the Friends of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve 2024 Photo Contest. The deadline is Jan. 31.
The contest is limited to amateur photographers only and, for the first time, only digital entries can be submitted. Photos must be of native species and must have been taken at the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, which includes Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve North.
Registration and entry submissions should be made on the Friends website.
“Through your camera’s lens, we invite you to capture the essence of the flora and fauna that call this preserve home,” said Sabine Vandenhende, president of the nonprofit Friends organization. “Embrace the challenge and share your artistic vision as we join together to preserve, protect, and honor this natural jewel through the art of photography.”
First-, second- and third-place winners will be awarded in three categories: Plants and Landscapes, Birds and Animals. A Grand-Prize winner will be awarded to the photo the judges deem best overall.
In addition to the regular adult contest, there will be separate contests for youth and staff members. Youth entries are eligible for the Grand Prize.
Hoping to foster a greater love and appreciation of nature and conservation among young people, the Friends group is allowing youths ages 17 and under to participate for free. The entry cost for adults is $15.
Winning entries are on display at the Slough Interpretive Center, which is open daily except Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry is free with paid parking. The photos also can be viewed on the Friends website. Winning photos from previous years, dating back to 2010, are also on the website.
Last year, a total of 263 photos were submitted by 89 different entrants. The 2023 Grand Prize photo, taken by Pat Lonergan, was of a bobcat on the Slough boardwalk.
The Friends organization is a nonprofit citizens group that provides support for the Slough’s staff and volunteers. Membership levels in the Friends organization start at $10 for students and $25 for individuals. More information about the photo contest and membership is available on the Slough Friends website.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is over 3,500 acres of wetland ecosystem with a boardwalk trail and Interpretive Center. Animals like otters, alligators, turtles, wading birds, and more live at the Slough year-round. Others, like migrating birds and butterflies, use the Slough as a feeding area or a winter home. The Slough is managed by the Lee County Department of Parks and Recreation and is open daily from sunrise to sunset.