Nature photo contest entries due by Aug. 16

Photographers and nature lovers are invited by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to submit photographs for the inaugural Aquatic Resources Education Center nature photography contest.

The contest is intended to increase public awareness and promote the natural wonders of the center and the surrounding Tony Florio Woodland Beach Wildlife Area near Smyrna. Children and adults are encouraged to visit the wildlife area to take and submit photographs of aquatic life, birds and other wildlife, scenic landscapes and people enjoying the outdoors.

The photo contest is open for entries through Monday, Aug. 16. Photos entered in the contest must have been taken between Jan. 1, 2021 and Aug. 16.

Prizes will be awarded in three categories: birds, nature, and people enjoying nature, in three age groups: under age 13, teens age 13 to 18, and adults age 19 and older.

Judging will be based on how well the photos represent the following criteria: things to see and do at the Woodland Beach Wildlife Area, originality/creativity, and universal appeal. The judging panel will include DNREC educators at the Aquatic Resources Education Center. Winners will be notified by email Friday, Aug. 27.

Managed by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, the Aquatic Resources Education Center and the Woodland Beach Wildlife Area are located along Delaware’s Bayshore Byway on Route 9 near Smyrna. The wildlife area connects to the Delaware Bay through a network of brackish tidal streams and marshes where visitors can observe a variety of wildlife, including fiddler crabs on the banks during low tide and occasionally river otters. Trails are available for viewing birds and other wildlife, and a raised boardwalk and observation tower offer vistas of the marsh and tidal streams.

To submit contest entries or for rules and more information, go to dnrec.delaware.gov and search AREC photo contest.