County Sponsors Photo Contest

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to announce the 2013 Wildlife Photography Contest at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. Amateur photographers, ages 6 through adult, are invited to enter their original photographs of wild animals in their natural habitat.

Individuals may enter a maximum of two photographs, but 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. Entries must be un-matted, unframed, 5” x 7” black and white or color prints. Entries must be received by Friday, April 12. 

“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,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter.

Photographs entered into the Wildlife Photography Contest will be judged by local, professional photographers. Prizes will be awarded in each of three age groups: 6 to 11 years, 12 to 17, and 18 and older, based on originality, composition, technical excellence and artistic merit.

Winners will be announced on Sunday, April 28, during Trailside’s Wild Earth Fest. All photographs will be displayed at Trailside’s Visitor Center through May 24.

The winners of last year’s Wildlife Photography Contest included James Caratolozzo of Hillsborough (18 and older) for his photo of a white-tailed deer fawn; Melissa Peterson of New Providence (12 to 17) for her photograph of a laughing gull; and J.T. Bokoske of Kenilworth (6 to 11) for his photograph of a dragonfly.

To obtain a brochure with the complete rules and an 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 in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.