2025 Adventures in Nature Student Photo Contest

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.

GALLERY
Displaying 37 - 48 of 466Photo 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 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 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