Thank you to everyone who participated in our annual Summer Photo Contest!
This year, we received amazing submissions from talented photographers spotlighting the wildlife, nature, and culture that we love on our planet. From picturesque landscapes to captivating animals, our community brought us to whole new worlds with their captured moments. Despite the contest having concluded, the impact and aura of these photos will remain and continue to motivate us to protect the valuable great home that is our planet.
View all of the winners and submissions below!
Congratulations to our winners!
David Newswanger, Sunnyvale, CA
Member since 1999
Two chinstrap penguins at Palaver Point in Antarctica.
Why population stabilization matters to David:
“I wrote a letter to the editor as a high school student after reading The Population Bomb in 1970. My letter focused on environmental concerns and conflict among people due to scarcity of resources, which are the same things that motivate me today. These two penguins are sharing a moment in time, but surely don’t realize that the ice they depend on is melting and that the survival of their species is threatened. Similarly, we in California live our lives without much thought about our limited resources, such as water, which is already causing conflict among us. Now is the time to do something about it.”
Doranne Jacobson, Springfield, IL
Member since 2015
Fishing is essential to the people in Ganvie, Benin, a village built on stilts over water.
Why population stabilization matters to Doranne:
“The people of Ganvie have depended upon fishing for centuries. Here, as in many places throughout the world, fish stocks are now threatened by overfishing and pollution caused by burgeoning human populations. Responsibly caring for fish — and for our planet — should be a top priority for everyone.”
Alex Crystal, Somerville, MA
Supporter since 2025
Flamingo taking off on lagoon at San Pedro de Atacama.
Why population stabilization matters to Alex:
“As I watched a flamingo take off from mirrored salt flats — surrounded by vast, untouched wilderness — I caught a glimpse of a world largely unaltered by human hands. Places like that are vanishing. As global population grows, so does our footprint, draining resources, fragmenting habitats, and pushing wildlife into ever-smaller refuges. The Atacama stands as a powerful reminder of what still exists and what we risk losing. I hope that capturing the world’s natural beauty through photography will inspire us to preserve its remaining wild places for future generations and the planet itself.”
Honorable Mentions
A free-spirited child celebrates the beauty of the ocean and the beach on the California coast. Submitted by: Josh Jacobson 
This photo of Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO shows the huge size of the sand dunes in comparison to the people. Submitted by: Matthew Burroughs 
Farmington River's wild and scenic section as the sun is bringing morning to the river. Submitted by: Tom Cameron 
A rainbow lorikeet feeding on a turquoise puya at the Adelaide Botanic Garden in Australia. Submitted by: Kathy Raffel 
A chipmunk looms large against the backdrop of the Longs Peak Ridge. Submitted by: Eric Hackler 
A female ruby-throated hummingbird on a buttonbush. Submitted by: David Newswanger Thank you to all of our participants!
Magnificent Mountains
View of Smith Rock State Park from along a hiking trail. Submitted by: Paul Wilson 
Strawberry Mountain Range across the valley. Submitted by: Paul Wilson 
View from above trails in Smith Rock State Park. Submitted by: Paul Wilson 
The Canadian Rockies, taken from a train. Submitted by: Kathleen Chandonais This photo of Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO shows the huge size of the sand dunes in comparison to the people. Submitted by: Matthew Burroughs 
Photo taken from a campground at Two Medicine Lake, Glacier National Park. Submitted by: Kathleen Chandonais 
The central part of Organ Mountains - Desert Peaks National Monument. Submitted by: Alex Burr 
Mountains at sunset in Glacier National Park. Submitted by: Hongbin Yu 
Photo of the Bitterroot Mountains while traveling through Montana. Submitted by: Kathleen Chandonais 
Picture taken on a trip through Patagonia, Chile. Submitted by: Kathleen Chandonais 
Clear evidence of glacier carving at Logan Pass, Montana. Submitted by: Kathleen Chandonais Amazing Avians
"Is this orange fresh?" Submitted by: Catherine Knoop 
"If I can just catch that fish!!" Submitted by: Catherine Knoop 
Loon resting on a beach near Sysladobsis Lake. Submitted by: Jay Souder 
"Are you taking my picture again?!" Submitted by: Catherine Knoop 
A bald eagle permanently living at the Alaska Raptor Center is unable to fly after being electrocuted on a power line. She helps teach visitors about the effects of human encroachment on wildlife lands. Submitted by: Susan Peacock 
This Northern Flicker father in Central British Columbia looks on as the two chicks beg for food from the nest hole. These chicks are fully feathered and ready to leave the nest. I think that the father was encouraging the two young birds to take their first flights. Submitted by: Kathy Raffel 
A seagull in flight in Algoma, WI. Submitted by: John Fix 
Photo of a Barred Owl in Rockville, MD. Submitted by: Edward Bielaus 
A frigatebird flies over Molokini Crater, in search of a spot to roost. Submitted by: John Bradley 
The endangered Hawaiian goose, known as Nēnē in Hawaiian, walks in the parking lot of Hosmer Grove in Haleakala National Park. Submitted by: John Bradley 
A bald eagle stalks the surface of the deep waters of Ketchikan, searching for king salmon. Submitted by: John Bradley 
A scarlet honeycreeper, also known as 'I'iwi in Hawaiian, grabs onto a tree branch in search of nectar, its main source of food. Submitted by: John Bradley 
A flowerpiercer looking pretty in a beautiful flowered bush. This bird pierces the base of flowers with its hooked bill to access nectar. Submitted by: Jeanie Cole 
Blue heron at river's edge on a quiet fall evening. Submitted by: Tom Cameron 
Blue Heron fishing in a quiet backwater area of the Farmington River. Submitted by: Tom Cameron 
Pigeons trying to stay cool on a hot summer's day in Falmouth, Maine. Submitted by: Bryce Hach Candid Culture
Families live in stilted houses on Inle Lake and travel by boat. Inhabitants make their livings by fishing and growing crops in floating gardens. This large lake is recognized as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Submitted by: Doranne Jacobson 
The scenic, historic Richmond Bridge in Tasmania. Submitted by: Paul Wilson 
Traditionally thatched cottages harmonize with the verdant landscape around them. Submitted by: Doranne Jacobson 
Boys enjoying the crystalline waters of glacial Lake Chelan. Submitted by: Doranne Jacobson 
Maneuvering rising flood waters in Bangladesh. Submitted by: M.A Milon 
Anyone and everything are welcome at Copper Harbor, Michigan. Submitted by: Catherine Knoop 
Kids at the Forbidden City in Hue, Vietnam. Submitted by: Rob Williams 
A street sign in Tulum, Mexico, full of doodles and stickers. Submitted by: Claire Yu 
The Bundt at night in Shanghai, China. Submitted by: Rob Williams 
Countless red pockets in Beijing, China. These charms symbolize good luck. Submitted by: Claire Yu 
An art installation of umbrellas on the coast of Thessaloniki, Greece. Submitted by: Claire Yu 
A Supertree lights up at night in Singapore. These structures were designed with innovative environmental technologies and sustainability in mind. Submitted by: Claire Yu 
Purple allium globes stand in front of the Boston Commons Frog Pond, with city buildings protruding in the background. Submitted by: Joshua Howard 
Red lanterns at the annual Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary, NC. Submitted by: Claire Yu 
Wall mural in the Arts District of Las Vegas. Submitted by: Claire Yu 
A modern street adorned with art in Seoul, South Korea. Submitted by: Claire Yu 
Luminescent lights at Fremont Street in Las Vegas. Submitted by: Claire Yu 
Lights representing Chinese characters hang from trees in Hangzhou. Submitted by: Claire Yu 
Siuslaw River Bridge in Florence, OR. Submitted by: Paul Wilson 
Yellow lanterns at the Grand Canal in Hangzhou, China. Submitted by: Claire Yu 
Santa Fe Depot in San Diego. Submitted by: Stephanie Wolfe Wondrous Water
Inlet view from bridge near Florence, OR. Submitted by: Paul Wilson 
Sweet Creek Falls. Submitted by: Paul Wilson 
View of the falls from the rim in Palouse Falls State Park, WA Submitted by: Paul Wilson 
Nelson Falls from below, with the spray forming droplets on the lens. Submitted by: Paul Wilson 
Surfers and shorebirds share the beauty of the California coast. Submitted by: Doranne Jacobson 
Looking north along the southern Oregon coast. Submitted by: Paul Wilson 
End of day reflections at Whitefish Point. Submitted by: Catherine Knoop 
Bear Creek, in Alpine Meadows, CA, rushing with water from the last of the snow melting. Submitted by: Lauren Ross 
Early morning on the wild and scenic Farmington River. Submitted by: Tom Cameron 
A bridge in time at Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore, Michigan. Submitted by: Catherine Knoop 
Fall morning on the west portion of the wild and scenic Farmington River. Submitted by: Tom Cameron 
Landscape view of Glacier National Park on a clear day. Submitted by: Hongbin Yu 
Fall morning with the fog lifting as the sun warms the cool air. Submitted by: Tom Cameron 
Most of the Farmington River is designated as wild and scenic. This is one of the few places along the river that it is not wild and scenic because it is immediately below a dam built for a factory that closed 50 years ago. Submitted by: Tom Cameron 
Photo of Morro Bay, CA. Submitted by: Lorraine Sumner 
Early morning serenity as the fog rolled out in Gilmanton Iron Works, NH. Submitted by: Janet Perkins-Howland 
A huddle of chinstrap penguins stand on an iceberg near Spurt Island, Antarctica. Submitted by: David Newswanger 
A landscape view of Schwabacher Landing, Grand Teton National Park, WY. Submitted by: David Newswanger 
Winter ice and snow on the wild and scenic Farmington River. Submitted by: Tom Cameron 
From the shore of Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park. Submitted by: Kathleen Chandonais 
A relaxing picture taken hurriedly as an unexpected storm overcame Cape Charles beach, making the once serene waves angry and turbid. The skies, which had shown a bright, cheerful glow now grew dark and gloomy. But even in its confusion, the beach showed beauty in its anger. Submitted by: Alessia Zegarra 
Serene lake in Northwest Montana. Submitted by: Kathleen Chandonais Scenic Skies
Sunrise on the ocean from Whitehead with Blackhead in the distance. Photo taken on Monhegan Island in Maine. Submitted by: Tom Cameron 
Sunset over the mountains near Utuado, Puerto Rico. Submitted by: Lauren Ross 
First sun off Blackhead and the east shore of Monhegan Island. Submitted by: Tom Cameron 
Kayaking into the sunset on Sysladobsis Lake. Submitted by: Jay Souder 
A quiet moment in Las Vegas, NV when time stands still and the clouds are painted golden. Submitted by: Nicole Gonzalez 
A pelican about to land at sunset in Dunedin, Florida. Submitted by: Wendy Dodek 
First sun on the east shore of Monhegan Island from Lobster Cove. Submitted by: Tom Cameron 
Boaters at sunset on Thompson Lake, Montana. Submitted by: Kathleen Chandonais 
Sunrise on Monhegan Island, 10 miles offshore of Midcoast Maine. This is from the Wildlands of the island, natural wild beauty preserved by Monhegan Associates for posterity. Submitted by: Tom Cameron Charming Creatures
A beautiful monarch butterfly taking a rest in my friend’s garden. Submitted by: Nicole Chamberlain 
An Australian spotted jellyfish in Auckland, New Zealand. Submitted by: Jane Robbins 
The beauty of a snail at Cedar Bog State Nature Preserve. Submitted by: Catherine Knoop 
This giant millipede was found at the Ta Prohm Temple, Cambodia, enjoying the moist environment, and scurrying between the dark spaces between the stone blocks. Submitted by: Erika Heckler 
A kangaroo mom keeps an eye out as she nurses her pup. Submitted by: Paul Wilson 
This magnificent leopard lives in a protected national park, as part of a complex biosphere. Submitted by: Doranne Jacobson 
The moorlands and valleys of Dartmoor have been treasured throughout history. Sheep and wild animals harmoniously share this unique place. Submitted by: Doranne Jacobson 
A pony and its mother trotted towards us while cycling in the mountains in Asturia, Spain. Submitted by: Xue Li 
This is a snapshot of a butterfly at the University of Nairobi, Kenya. The photo illustrates the appreciation of nature as the butterfly aids in pollinating its ecosystem. Submitted by: Chrispinus Isindu 
A thirsty African Savanna elephant on the way to a nearby watering hole. Submitted by: Andrew Felber 
Nara deer at sunset in Japan. Submitted by: Alex Crystal 
This is a photo of a mother puma in Patagonia, Chile who was following her offspring along the mountain ridge. Submitted by: Kathy Raffel 
A squirrel sunbathes on an open branch in North Potomac, MD. Submitted by: Alice Zhao 
On a spring day, this mother Tule elk and her newborn were exploring an area of Point Reyes National Seashore in California. Submitted by: Kathy Raffel 
A backyard baby deer found while hanging clothes in Montana. Submitted by: Kathleen Chandonais 
Coyotes are being seen more often in suburban and even urban neighborhoods. This coyote is a sleek and well-fed new mother who is hunting in its natural habitat, Point Reyes National Seashore, CA. Submitted by: Kathy Raffel 
Two baby deer eating grass near a neighborhood in Louisville, KY. Submitted by: Rose Schafer 
A male sea lion sunbathes on the black lava rocks of Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. Submitted by: Susan Peacock 
A Sally Lightfoot saltwater crab captures a small invertebrate in the coastal waves along the coast of the Galapagos Islands. These opportunistic predators contribute to ecosystem health by consuming organic debris and algae. Submitted by: Susan Peacock 
A green sea turtle, also known as honu in Hawai'i, reaches shore, likely to find a mate or even nest. Submitted by: John Bradley 
A Galapagos giant tortoise feeds on grass in the misty highlands on Santa Cruz. These tortoises are found only in the Galapagos Islands and are a keystone species in the ecosystem. Once abundant, their populations have been severely reduced due to human exploitation. Submitted by: Susan Peacock 
A pod of orcas swim and jump through the water in Ketchikan, Alaska. Submitted by: John Bradley 
Photo of two bucks and a fawn in Montana. Spring is whitetail time. Submitted by: Kathleen Chandonais 
A stack of monarch butterflies in Santa Cruz, CA. Submitted by: David Newswanger 
A couple of marmots enjoying the sunshine in Glacier National Park. Submitted by: Hongbin Yu 
A praying mantis rests on a flower. Submitted by: Derun Li 
This young spider monkey is sitting pretty on a pile of palm nuts. Mom is nearby, but out of the frame. Submitted by: Jeanie Cole 
Black bears in Olympia, WA. Submitted by: Chris Kennedy 
A kangaroo pup nursing. Submitted by: Paul Wilson Noticing Nature
Soft sunlight illuminates dune grass, wild roses, and weathered fence posts along the horizon. Submitted by: Joshua Howard 
Peeking through the Columbine. Submitted by: Catherine Knoop 
Red Belted Polypore (fomitopsis pinicola). I found this fungus on the hiking trail along side the McKenzie River, Oregon. They form on the decaying bark of the coniferous trees of the Pacific Northwest and other parts of the world. Submitted by: Greg Heckler 
Crassula platyphylla at the Royal Botanical Gardens, in Sydney, Australia. Submitted by: Paul Wilson 
A Crown Princess Margareta in full bloom. Submitted by: Hongbin Yu 
A spiky cactus near Grand Canyon West. Submitted by: Claire Yu 
Dainty Snow Trillium. Submitted by: Catherine Knoop 
The first flowers of winter (Frost Flowers from Dittany). Submitted by: Catherine Knoop 
Crassula platyphylla at the Royal Botanical Gardens, in Sydney, Australia. Submitted by: Paul Wilson 
The beauty of rocks in Porcupine Mountain State Park. Submitted by: Catherine Knoop 
Pretty pink lotuses at West Lake in Hangzhou. Submitted by: Claire Yu 
Curved tree branch hugging another tree in Santa Monica, CA. Submitted by: Susan Kalev 
Photo of a wild iris in a Wenham, Massachusetts swamp. Submitted by: Joel Hariton 
Blooming summer flowers at Fort Tryon Park. Submitted by: Susan Kalev 
A rainbow touches down at a small cabin on the wild Alaskan shore. Sunny moments are fairly rare on the Alaskan panhandle so this moment is a scarce wonder. Submitted by: Eric Hackler