Wildlife for Everyone to Hold Wetlands Photography Contest

JULIAN — If you love nature photography, then the Autumn in the Wetlands Photography Contest is for you. Wildlife for Everyone is sponsoring the contest, and hopes anyone who loves getting behind a camera will participate.

There is a category for youths and another for adults. Prizes will be awarded to the contest winners. Photographs must be taken anywhere on the Tom Ridge Wetlands between Sept. 23 and Oct. 14. Pictures can be of anything nature-related — plants, Bald Eagle Creek, birds, the sunset. Wildlife for Everyone Executive Director Susan Hawthorne says this photography contest is a great opportunity to experience the Tom Ridge Wetlands.

“It is such a beautiful place, and peaceful,” Hawthorne said. “It is easy to lose yourself in all the sights and sounds. Contest participants will be able to experience that and hopefully capture beautiful pictures to share.”

Where is the Tom Ridge Wetlands?

The Tom Ridge Wetlands is along Route 220 between Julian and Martha Furnace. Motorists can even see the wetlands from the road if they are looking for it; the Tom Ridge Wetlands sign is just a short drive up and over the railroad tracks. The Tom Ridge Wetlands stretches back to Bald Eagle Creek. There is a mowed path which will take visitors through the property.

Wildlife for Everyone owns the Tom Ridge Wetlands, and is developing an all-accessible nature trail on the property, which will enable everyone, regardless of any physical limitations, to enjoy nature. The project also includes an all-accessible fishing pier on Bald Eagle Creek.

Wildlife for Everyone is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to promote wildlife conservation and education in Pennsylvania. Wildlife for Everyone does wildlife and wetland habitat improvements, creek and lake restorations, the Seedlings for Schools program, student wildlife scholarships and educational outreach across Pennsylvania.

The Centre County Gazette is the media sponsor for the contest.

For more information about the Autumn in the Wetlands Photography Contest, or to find out more about Wildlife for Everyone, call (814) 238-8138; stop by the office located at 341 Science Park Road, Suite 103; or email at info@wildlifeforeveryone.org.