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.

GALLERY

Displaying 385 - 396 of 466
Photo by Juli |

Photo by Juli

Location: Prescott, Arizona

Photo by Jillian Ward | This is a large blossom tree found at the main entrance to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.

Photo by Jillian Ward

This is a large blossom tree found at the main entrance to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.

Location: Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Photo by Jillian Ward | I took this photo facing eastward on South Mountain while hiking with my family, it pictures two Saguaro cacti and the layered mountains of the area.

Photo by Jillian Ward

I took this photo facing eastward on South Mountain while hiking with my family, it pictures two Saguaro cacti and the layered mountains of the area.

Location: South Mountain

Photo by Grey Picciano | Beautiful clouds swirling around the sun

Photo by Grey Picciano

Beautiful clouds swirling around the sun

Location: Tucson

Photo by Orlando Gastelo | showcasing its charming, Spanish-style architecture. The warm, earthy tones of the stucco buildings contrast beautifully with the cool blue sky, while the intricate details of arched windows, wrought-iron lanterns, and wooden balconies evoke a timeless, old-world feel.

Photo by Orlando Gastelo

showcasing its charming, Spanish-style architecture. The warm, earthy tones of the stucco buildings contrast beautifully with the cool blue sky, while the intricate details of arched windows, wrought-iron lanterns, and wooden balconies evoke a timeless, old-world feel.

Location: Tlaquepaque Sedona Arizona

Photo by Orlando Gastelo | The towering red rock formations glow in warm hues as the setting sun casts long shadows across the rugged terrain. Above, the sky transitions from deep blue to soft pastels, with wispy clouds stretching across the horizon. The scene is framed by dark silhouettes of trees and foreground elements, creating a stunning contrast between light and shadow.

Photo by Orlando Gastelo

The towering red rock formations glow in warm hues as the setting sun casts long shadows across the rugged terrain. Above, the sky transitions from deep blue to soft pastels, with wispy clouds stretching across the horizon. The scene is framed by dark silhouettes of trees and foreground elements, creating a stunning contrast between light and shadow.

Location: Sedona Arizona

Photo by Caleb Burton | I found this Pink Fairy Duster (Calliandra eriophylla) while backpacking across the Tonto National Forest in early spring, I thought the rugged mountains in the background just add to it.

Photo by Caleb Burton

I found this Pink Fairy Duster (Calliandra eriophylla) while backpacking across the Tonto National Forest in early spring, I thought the rugged mountains in the background just add to it.

Location: Tonto National Forest near Sunflower, AZ

Photo by Aiden Bullaro | Tailings ponds are large bodies of water that contain copper mining run-off. Copper mining has played a huge role in the history of Arizona with the state still being the largest producer in the United States. These tailing ponds signify the rich history of one of the state's largest exports.

Photo by Aiden Bullaro

Tailings ponds are large bodies of water that contain copper mining run-off. Copper mining has played a huge role in the history of Arizona with the state still being the largest producer in the United States. These tailing ponds signify the rich history of one of the state's largest exports.

Location: Green Valley, AZ

Photo by Lani Byman | Went on a hike with my family and took pictures, this one stood out to me the most. This hike is a memorial for fire fighters who died to save the town.

Photo by Lani Byman

Went on a hike with my family and took pictures, this one stood out to me the most. This hike is a memorial for fire fighters who died to save the town.

Location: Granite Mountain Hot Shot Memorial Hike, Arizona

Photo by Lani Byman | Photograph of a cane cholla at Golden hour sunset. These can be found all over the state and create a beautiful scenery.

Photo by Lani Byman

Photograph of a cane cholla at Golden hour sunset. These can be found all over the state and create a beautiful scenery.

Location: New River, Arizona

Photo by Jack Bolton | Desert landscape with cacti and mountains.

Photo by Jack Bolton

Desert landscape with cacti and mountains.

Location: Gateway Trail

Photo by Logan Clark | Lightning photo taken on a rainy night by reach 11

Photo by Logan Clark

Lightning photo taken on a rainy night by reach 11

Location: Reach 11