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Winter Photo Contest Results Announced!

The winners of the Winter Photo Contest co-sponsored by Little Traverse Conservancy and Bearcub Outfitters of Petoskey have been announced. The contest, which ran through March 31, sought photos taken at a Conservancy nature preserve or natural area by children in grades 3-12. A total of 70 entries were judged by photographers Greg Czarnecki, Sue Dempsey and Bob deJonge, Holly Gedert, photographer and instructor with 21st Century Grants Arts Program through Crooked Tree Arts Center, BJ Shawn of Bearcub Outfitters and Charles Dawley of Little Traverse Conservancy. The top entry in each of three age categories will be awarded a $50 gift certificate from Bearcub Outfitters. Thirteen honorable mentions will receive Conservancy logo hats from Little Traverse Conservancy.

“We were thrilled with the turnout from this first contest and hope to repeat it during different seasons in the  future,” said Tom Bailey, executive director of Little Traverse Conservancy. “Our primary goal was to encourage young people to get outdoors during the winter months, and we hoped to appeal to the more artistic and contemplative sides of the students.”

Boyne City art teacher Marla Watson took her students outside to photograph during two days last winter. “The first day, many of them came unprepared for the weather, but by the second day they were ready for fun, eager to see the wildlife and the river at that time of year,” she said. “We had a huge amount of parental support for the kids, many who took photos on their own. I really hope this contest is repeated as there are numerous directions we can go with nature photography.”

Grades 3-5: First Place:  “Leaf on Ice” by  Sarah Vortruba
Honorable Mention: “Tree Branches” by Austin Rose; “Crystals” by TaiLi Samson; “Snowball on Branch” by Jack Sparrow; and “Tree Trunk Innards” by Jordan Young

Grades 6-8: Tied for First Place: “Little Snowman on a Big Hill” by Max Meyerson and “Frozen Gurgle” by Paul Vermeesch
Honorable Mention:  “McCune Creek”  by Tyler Adams; “Snow Branches” by Laura Hammond; “Snow on Fallen Branches” by Lizzie Winter; “Pileated Tree” by Sophie Wittenberg; “2 feet and 1 hand” by Kaycie Overmyer; “Cave with frozen icicles” by  Cassie Schmidt; “Gall” by Olive Dwan; and “Pine Needles” by Brandi Goodburn

Grades 9-12: First Place: “Ice Drop” by Emily Ford
Honorable Mention: “Brushing Snow” by Katrina Shafer

For more information, please call 231.344.1007 or email anne@landtrust.org.