Nature Art
Powder Valley Urban Nature Photo Contest
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LOCATION & SCHEDULE
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Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
11715 Cragwold Rd
Kirkwood, MO 63122
(314) 301-1500
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Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is excited to announce the launch of its 2025 Urban Nature Photo Contest, inviting community members of all ages to capture the beauty of Missouri’s native plants, trees, and wildlife—right here on the scenic grounds of Powder Valley. This contest celebrates the diversity of the natural world found in our own backyard and encourages participants to explore, observe, and appreciate the environment around them. All photos submitted must be taken on-site at Powder Valley and should highlight native Missouri species. Participants are asked to follow area regulations, treat nature with care, maintain a respectful distance from wildlife, and avoid harming any plants or habitats while photographing. The contest is open to everyone, and entries will be divided into two categories: Youth (ages 17 and under) and Adult (ages 18 and up). To enter, please submit your photographs to Lauren Baker at Lauren.Baker@mdc.mo.gov by April 30, 2025. Beginning May 3, all eligible entries will be on public display in the nature center’s art gallery, where visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite photographs in person. Winners from each category will receive prizes and may have their work featured in future Powder Valley exhibits and across the Missouri Department of Conservation’s social media platforms. MDC photographers offer the following tips to help create the best photos: • Photograph during the early morning, or later into the evening. The light is usually much better during these times than the harsher, midday sun. Soft, cloudy days can also make for some pleasing light. • Fill the frame with the subject—close-up photos tend to be much more engaging than subjects seen from a distance. • Consider using a macro or closeup lens. There are amazing details to be discovered in native plants, and a host of tiny and fascinating insects and pollinators. • Be creative and don’t be afraid to experiment. Photographers can also consult MDC’s online Field Guide at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z9d for more information about native wildlife and their habitats and behaviors. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, this is a great opportunity to showcase your creativity, explore the trails, and connect with nature. Lauren Baker