2025 Adventures in Nature Student Photo Contest

A white horse chases a brown horse at top speed through a green and scrubby setting, getting close enough to bite. By Jessica Finnie

2024 First Place photograph by Jessica Finnie

The Nature Conservancy in Arizona, in partnership with Arizona Highways and Arizona's Family,

presents the

12th Annual “Adventures in Nature” Student Photo Contest

Students aged 13-18 are invited to enter up to two photos that capture Arizona’s beauty and wildlife for a chance to win cash prizes. The contest is open for submissions between March 1-31, 2025,  and the top 10 winners will be announced on a virtual awards ceremony on April 17th, 2025. All contestants will receive a Zoom invitation by email.

See last year’s winners here.

Prizes:
First place - $5,000
Second place - $2,500
Third place - $1,000
7 Honorable Mentions - $250 each

Please view OFFICIAL RULES before submitting entries. 

Sponsored by The Nature Conservancy, Arizona's Family TV and Arizona Highways

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We will begin accepting submissions on March 1st, 2025.
Displaying 37 - 48 of 466

Photo by Elsa Holst Reilley

While relaxing with friends on the U of A lawn, a giant red tailed hawk landed before us.

Location: Mall at the University of Arizona

Photo by Jessica Finnie

Snow Geese and Sandhill Cranes migrate annually to Southern Arizona at Whitewater Draw, a haven for winter wildlife. This photo captures a flock of migratory Snow Geese in flight across the wetlands of Whitewater Draw. The last light of day casts the scene in a golden glow as Snow Geese fly above the still water that mirrors a sentinel Cottonwood tree. Sandhill Cranes peacefully roost on the shoreline in the distance. The birds have reunited with their roosting and nesting grounds in Southern Arizona, connecting with the desert environment once again.

Location: Whitewater Draw, McNeal, Arizona

Photo by Brayden D. Herron

Not every single day you are able to be driving home and you look at the four peaks and see snow. This image represents what Arizona normally looks like compared to snowy mountain tops.

Location: Butcher Jones OHV

Photo by Sage McClure

One deer approaches, while the others remain watching from their safe haven behind the trees.

Location: Madera Canyon

Photo by Tristan Munchinsky

I caught a bunch of ladybugs hanging out in the thick of the grass. There were thousands in the meadow, a beautiful window into their little world.

Location: Mingus Mountain, Black Hills Mountain Range

Photo by Lily Newell

This photo captures the true beauty of Arizona’s desert landscape, showcasing the tall saguaro cacti, bright wildflowers and winding trail. The dramatic sky makes the scene feel wild and alive, a great example of how truly amazing Arizona’s nature is.

Location: Saguaro National Park East, Sabino Canyon

Photo by Lisa Nie

Viewed the beauty of Phoenix Arizona

Location: Phoenix mountain viewpoint

Photo by Lisa Nie

Viewing the Grand Canyon was impressive

Location: Grand Canyon Viewpoint

Photo by Jolene Lagneaux

The photo captures the magic of the Acacia’s golden flowers dappled with morning sunlight. The light is refreshingly soft for Arizona, allowing the flowers to be seen clearly and vibrantly. The camera focus is meant to suggest that the viewer is standing almost within the tree’s canopy. My parents planted this sapling when they bought our house, and I wanted to pay homage to it and to them.

Location: Tucson, Arizona

Photo by Lorenzo Cordova

I was walking at the Gilbert Riparian park as I noticed a grackle trying to blend in with the trees and staying hidden from predators.

Location: Gilbert Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

Photo by Lorenzo Cordova

The temperatures heating up in Queen Creek; the hotter it gets the more creepy crawlers come out.

Location: 19171 E Oriole Way

Photo by maxim O bekker

This photo was taken on Mount Lemmon after a heavy storm. It shows the vast range of colors that can take over our home. I honestly have no idea how that burst of yellow appeared in the clouds, but I find it calming.

Location: Mount Lemmon