ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced Christopher Michael as the grand prize winner of the 2025 Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest for his image “Waterways Wanderer,” a striking shot of a river otter taken at Battle Creek Cypress Swamp. Chosen from over 1,800 submissions, Michael’s photo earns him $700, a Maryland State Park and Trail Passport, free entry to next year’s contest, and five copies of the 2026 DNR calendar, where his image will appear on the cover.
The annual contest, judged by DNR professionals, celebrates Maryland’s wildlife, landscapes, and outdoor activities through four seasonal categories: winter, spring, summer, and fall. First-place winners in the spring, summer, and fall categories each receive $100, a State Park Passport, and five 2026 calendars. Second-place winners across all seasons get five calendars, while third-place winners are featured in the calendar without additional prizes. All winning images, including the Fan Favorite, will be published in the 2026 DNR calendar, available for purchase before Thanksgiving at shopdnr.com.
Michael’s winning winter photo, captured in the serene wetlands of Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, showcases a river otter navigating its natural habitat. Other first-place winners include Brian Smith’s spring image of four pileated woodpecker young, Anis Khan’s summer dragonfly close-up, and Kim Kowalewski’s fall shot of the Milky Way over Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Second- and third-place entries highlight diverse subjects, from Assateague horses to a spun glass moth caterpillar, reflecting Maryland’s ecological richness.
The Fan Favorite, offering a one-year State Park Passport and three calendars, will be determined by public votes on DNR’s Facebook page from October 1 to October 15, 2025. Now in its 23rd year, the contest draws photographers statewide, often featuring Southern Maryland’s scenic spots like Point Lookout State Park and Calvert Cliffs.
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall
The 2026 DNR calendar, typically priced around $12, supports conservation efforts, with proceeds funding park maintenance and programs. Last year’s edition sold out quickly, reflecting popularity in Southern Maryland, where outdoor recreation boosts local tourism. The next contest opens in early 2026, with details to be posted on DNR’s website.
Photographers retain credit for any DNR use, amplifying their work. The contest encourages community engagement, with past entries from Southern Maryland capturing ospreys, Chesapeake Bay sunsets, and local wildlife. Residents can view the full gallery online or at DNR events in parks like Greenwell State Park. Calendars make ideal holiday gifts, available at park visitor centers or online.
The winners reflect Maryland’s natural beauty, with Southern Maryland’s landscapes standing out as prime settings for photography. DNR urges early calendar purchases and invites locals to join next year’s contest to showcase the region’s wild spaces.
