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Photo Contest

Visit the Olewine Nature Center from December 9, 2025 – January 24, 2026 to view and vote for your favorite photos! Take a tour of beautiful photographs from all of Dauphin County’s parks. Winners will be announced at the Photo Contest Reception on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Prizes will be awarded for winning entries. The People’s Choice Award winners will be announced in February after the display ends.

The Nature Center will be closed: Mondays and holidays (December 24, December 25, and January 1)

2025 Photo Contest Brochure

Eligibility

  • Photo MUST have been taken at one of the following Dauphin County Parks: Wildwood Park, Fort Hunter Park, Fort Hunter Conservancy, Detweiler Park, Wiconisco Creek Park, or Lykens Glen Park.
  • Minor digital enhancement is permitted, but images that have been significantly modified or appear unnatural will be disqualified.
  • Photos should reflect natural habitats including flora and fauna and convey the conservation values of all Dauphin County Parks.
  • Photos that have previously been in the Photo Contest may not be submitted again.
  • This competition is open only to amateur photographers.
  • The Photo Committee reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not meet the contest guidelines.

Preparing Photos

  • Only two submissions per person will be accepted.
  • Entries must be 8”x 10” print size, mounted on a white 11”x 14” backboard with a single white top mat. Note: Adhesive hangers will be provided by Friends of Wildwood and attached to the backboard for exhibit hanging.
  • Mats are available in the Nature Shop for purchase.
  • No framed prints are permitted.
  • No marks or names that can identify the photographer may be visible on the front of the photograph or mat.
  • A completed photo contest entry form must be attached to the backboard of each photo.
  • Entries will be accepted at the Nature Center November 1 through November 23, 2025. All entries are due by November 23, 2025 by 3:00 pm.

Exhibit

  • Photos will be on display in the Olewine Nature Center from December 9, 2025 through January 24, 2026.
  • The public will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite photographs (People’s Choice Awards). Winners will be notified in early February.

Judging & Awards

  • Judging will be conducted by a panel of professional photographers and will be based on composition, creativity, focus and contrast.
  • Cash prizes ($100, $75, $50) will be awarded to first, second and third place winners in each division at the awards reception on December 14, 2025, 1:00pm.

Returns

  • Photos may be picked up at the Olewine Nature Center February 1, 2026 through March 1, 2026 (closed Mondays and holidays). Beyond March 1, 2026, unclaimed photos may be donated for educational purposes.
  • Winning entries will be retained for one year for display purposes and may be picked up on or after February 1, 2027.

Other

  • The Friends of Wildwood and Dauphin County Department of Parks and Recreation reserve the right to publish or display submitted photographs on our website and other venues.
  • The Friends of Wildwood assumes no liability for any loss, damage or injury of any kind to persons or property resulting from participation in the contest.

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