Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge announces annual photo contest

        Photographers of all ages and skill levels are invited to submit their best nature photos in the 2024 Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Photo Contest.
        The contest is open to entries of photos taken on the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which includes Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and satellite properties, Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge and West Sister Island National Wildlife Refuge (from the water as no public access is permitted on the island).
        Entries are being accepted on the Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge website through Friday, Sept. 6. Categories include Eagles, Birds (other than eagles), Mammals, Reptiles & Amphibians, Insects & Arachnids, Native Plants, Landscapes & Reflections, Sunrises & Sunsets, Refuge in Winter, Funny Nature and People Enjoying Nature.
        The contest is free to enter. Photographers may submit one photo per category. Entries will be accepted in three age groups: Youth (5-12 years), Teen (13-17 years) and Adult (18+).
        Photos will be judged in early September. All entries will be displayed on the Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge’s website. Winners will be included in a 2025 Ottawa NWR Calendar which will be made available for purchase later this year. Prizes, including a special tours, free access to the upcoming Refuge Photography Class Series, and free calendars will be awarded for the winning entries. The Best of Show will also be featured in the Friends Annual Report.
        Full contest rules and more information are available online at friendsofottawanwr.org/photography-contest.
        To learn more about the refuge complex and to see a map to confirm boundaries, visit friendsofottawanwr.org/plan-your-visit.
        Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established in 1997 to promote the preservation of the natural and historical resources of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, the only National Wildlife Refuge Complex in the state, located at 14000 W. SR 2, Oak Harbor. Visit friendsofottawanwr.org for more details.