Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Photography Contest

2025 PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

Showcase the beauty of Preservation Parks! Capture landscapes, wildlife, or moments that celebrate these protected spaces. Open to all amateur skill levels. Share your vision and help inspire a deeper appreciation for our natural and cultural heritage. Submit this form for each photo entry.

Congratulations Winners! The 2025 winning photos will be displayed the Deer Haven Park Visitor Center January 5 – 30, 2026.
View all entries on our Facebook page.

2025 Preserving Our Heritage Photography Contest Winners

CONTEST CATEGORIES

Photos must be taken at a Preservation Parks site.

Animals – Photos in this category may include only wild animals. No domesticated animals will be permitted. Photos of Gallant Farm livestock should be entered in the Park District Scenes category. Photos must be taken at a Preservation Parks site. 

General Nature – Photos may capture landscapes, plants, animals, and natural phenomena of nature and the environment such as weather, etc. The human element may be present but should be unobtrusive and only present to enhance the scene. Photos must be taken at a Preservation Parks site

Macro – This category showcases a subject larger than it is in real life, i.e., extreme closeups of something small. Photos can feature closeup aspects of plants, animals, and other natural items. No man-made features please. Photos must be taken at a Preservation Parks site.  

Park District Scenes – Photos may capture natural or historical features, structures, events, areas, or people found within the parks. Photos may include people but NO portraits will be accepted. Photos must be taken at a Preservation Parks site.

Youth – Photos in this category must be related to any of the other contest categories. Photos must be taken at a Preservation Parks site. This category is for ages 17 and under. 

Preserving Our Heritage Photo Contest Submission

Showcase the beauty and history of Delaware County’s Preservation Parks! Capture landscapes, wildlife, or moments that celebrate these protected spaces. Open to all skill levels. Share your vision and help inspire a deeper appreciation for our natural and cultural heritage. Submit this form for each photo entry.

Name
Email
Category of Photo(Required)
All photos must be taken at a Preservation Parks site.
Preservation Parks locations can be found at https://preservationparks.com/parks/.
Max. file size: 10 MB.
Only applicable if people are pictured in your photo entry. You may fill out this online or submit your completed form here in PDF format.
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 10 MB.

    Share This Program:

    Programs

    Adventure Run

    Get “in” to nature…literally. Run the primitive adventure trail while maneuvering through mud pits and conquering both natural and man-made obstacles (including a slip and slide down the sledding hill). The run is family friendly and just under 2 miles. No strollers or pets please. Be prepared to get wet and muddy.

    details of braille on sounds of the forest sign

    Braille Trail

    Nestled within the heart of Hogback Ridge Park, the Braille Trail offers a unique, multi-sensory experience for all visitors. This thoughtfully designed trail provides an accessible way to explore the natural world through touch, sound, and detailed interpretive signage. Whether you navigate by sight, feel, or hearing, this trail is a pathway to deeper connection with nature.

    Delaware County Bird Club

    Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just getting started, enjoy a relaxing time watching birds at the feeders and discussing a new ornithology topic each month. Meet fellow bird enthusiasts, share sightings, and deepen your appreciation for our feathered friends.

    FLEX Trails (Free Local EXercise)

    FLEX Trails are established along the trails at Char-Mar Ridge Preserve. Stations set up along the trails include signs that explain how to do various exercises, right there, with no equipment

    Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society

    Join us for a lively discussion of each month’s featured book. We typically read titles that were popular during the Great Depression and WWII years, or books focusing on those time periods.

    Geocaching in Preservation Parks

    Geocaching and letterboxing are fun hobbies that provide a great reason to enjoy the outdoors. Preservation Parks does allow geocaches and letterboxes to be placed in the parks, as long as Park District guidelines are followed.

    Group Hikes

    Embark on a journey with fellow enthusiasts or enrich your knowledge on the go! We’ve got your hiking experience sorted. Explore our curated group hike programs, each with unique themes that cater to diverse interests.

    Mindfulness Trail

    This 1 mile walk invites you to several stations that will provide different ways to practice mindfulness along the trail.

    Photography Contest

    Showcase the beauty and history of Delaware County’s Preservation Parks! Capture landscapes, wildlife, or moments that celebrate these protected spaces. Open to all skill levels. Share your vision and help inspire a deeper appreciation for our natural and cultural heritage.

    School & Community Outreach

    Looking for a fun and engaging learning experience for your school classroom or community group? From night hikes to live animal programs and farm tours to agricultural heritage programs, the Preservation Parks Outdoor Connections Department offers field trip programs covering a variety of natural and cultural history topics. Most are free for Delaware County groups and organizations only, and a great way to introduce your group to our county’s cultural and natural heritage. Scout groups can check out our Scout Badge Days, offered throughout the year.  

    Person in a kayak

    Seasonal Program Guide

    The program guide is published 4x per year and includes all of the wonderful programs offered throughout the parks.

    summer concert at Gallant Woods Park

    Summer Concert Series

    Sponsored by Consolidated Cooperative

    Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a food truck and free concert. Thursdays this summer at Gallant Woods Park. 7 – 8:30 p.m.

    Concretion in creek

    Summer Exhibit

    Nature hides its wonders underground and underwater. Peek beneath the soil to uncover twisting roots, secret tunnels, and the creatures that call them home.

    illustration of wetland biodiversity

    Summer Letterbox Adventure

    What is a letterbox adventure? Great question! A letterbox adventure is another form of geocaching and scavenger hunting using clues instead of coordinates.

    Programs

    Adventure Run

    Get “in” to nature…literally. Run the primitive adventure trail while maneuvering through mud pits and

    details of braille on sounds of the forest sign

    Braille Trail

    Nestled within the heart of Hogback Ridge Park, the Braille Trail offers a unique, multi-sensory

    Group Hikes

    Embark on a journey with fellow enthusiasts or enrich your knowledge on the go! We’ve

    Mindfulness Trail

    This 1 mile walk invites you to several stations that will provide different ways to

    Photography Contest

    Showcase the beauty and history of Delaware County’s Preservation Parks! Capture landscapes, wildlife, or moments

    Concretion in creek

    Summer Exhibit

    Nature hides its wonders underground and underwater. Peek beneath the soil to uncover twisting roots,