Calling all nature lovers and photographers, amateur or professional! We're excited to launch Mitchell Lake In Focus, a photo contest celebrating the beauty and biodiversity of our 1,200-acre wildlife sanctuary and our community's wonderful photo art.

Submit your best photos of Mitchell Lake Audubon Center’s wildlife, plants, landscapes, and seasonal changes. Whether it’s a plant, a cool bird, a pollinator at work, or a beautiful sunrise over the lake, we want to see your favorite moments from the field!

Enjoy the cute or humorous side of nature? Have a hilarious photo? Enter your photo for a chance to have us feature it on our social media pages as part of our Superlative Set: Cutest Wildlife, Silliest Nature Pic, & Best Photo Bomb.

The top 10 submissions will be displayed during our upcoming community mixer (details coming soon!). Event guests will vote for their favorites, and the top 3 winners will have their work printed on postcards to be sold in our gift shop, with additional prizes for our 1st, 2nd place, and Superlative Set winners!

Enter the contest by filling out this submission form. Please carefully read the rules and guidelines before making your submission. 

 Prizes

• Top 10 Photos: Displayed in-person at our fall community mixer
• 1st Place: Special recognition at fall community mixer, a Nature Lover's Gift Package, & photo printed on nature store postcards
• 2nd Place: $25 Nature Center Gift Certificate & photo printed on nature store postcards
• 3rd Place: Photo printed on nature store postcards
• Superlative Set: Cutest Wildlife, Silliest Nature Pic, & Best Photo Bomb featured on Mitchell Lake Audubon Center's Social Media pages.

Contest Dates:

• Contest Opens: August 15, 2025
• Submission Deadline: October 31, 2025
• Photo Display at Community Mixer: November 15, 2025
• Winners Announced at Community Mixer: November 15, 2025

Downloadable Resources

mitchell_lake_in_focus_photography_contest_2025_rules_guidelines.pdf