Photographers and nature enthusiasts in St. Mary’s County and beyond have until August 1, 2025, to submit their best images of Maryland’s flora and fauna for the Maryland DNR Photo Contest. Organized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the contest offers a chance to showcase the state’s natural beauty in the 2025 DNR nature calendar, with winners receiving cash prizes, free calendars, and a Maryland State Park and Trail Passport.
Contest Details and Prizes
The Maryland DNR Photo Contest invites submissions across four seasonal categories: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Judges select first, second, and third place winners for each season. A grand prize winner, chosen from the first-place seasonal winners, receives $700, while each seasonal first-place winner earns $100 and a one-year Maryland State Park and Trail Passport. All winners will have their photos featured in the 2025 DNR calendar, published in late fall, and receive free copies. This year’s Maryland DNR Photo Contest also includes a special opportunity for photos to be featured on a hard-card license through the MD Outdoors licensing system.
Fan Favorite Award
In addition to judge-selected winners, the Maryland DNR Photo Contest includes a “Fan Favorite” award determined by public vote on Facebook. The photo with the most “likes” will be included in the calendar and earn the photographer free calendars and a State Park Passport. This interactive element encourages community engagement and highlights the popularity of Maryland’s natural landscapes among residents, including those in St. Mary’s County.
Submission Process
Entries for the Maryland DNR Photo Contest must be submitted online through the DNR website by August 1, 2025. The entry fee is $10 for up to three photos, with an additional $3 per photo for further submissions. Photographers are encouraged to capture Maryland’s diverse wildlife and plant life, showcasing the state’s seasonal beauty. Winners will be announced in early fall, giving participants ample time to prepare their submissions for the Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
Local Relevance
For St. Mary’s County residents, the Maryland DNR Photo Contest offers a unique opportunity to highlight local natural treasures, such as the landscapes of Point Lookout State Park or the wildlife along the Potomac River. Photographers in the region can draw inspiration from Southern Maryland’s rich ecosystems, contributing to a statewide celebration of nature. The contest aligns with the region’s appreciation for outdoor recreation and environmental preservation, making it a perfect fit for local enthusiasts.
Encouraging Participation
The Maryland DNR Photo Contest not only celebrates Maryland’s natural beauty but also supports conservation efforts through the State Park Passport, which encourages winners to explore Maryland’s parks. With cash prizes, calendar features, and the chance to appear on an MD Outdoors license, the contest provides multiple incentives for photographers to participate. St. Mary’s County residents are urged to submit their photos by the August 1 deadline to be part of this annual tradition.
