Congratulations to all of our category winners, and to our grand prize winner! ​

What a difficult decision it was to choose the winners out of all the beautiful photographs that were submitted and voted as top in their categories (Landscapes, Plants, Wildlife, Water, People and Youth Entries). We are so thankful to everyone who entered their photography, and also to all those who submitted their votes for their favorite photos. Click here to view all of our photo submissions.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER!

"Ferns," by Kent Fields

This beautiful photo of ferns and moss growing under a tree was taken by Kent Fields in Soap Creek valley. We loved the exuberant display of plant growth that seems to entice the viewer to enter into the depths of this forested landscape. Kent did an excellent job of capturing one of many reasons to love our watershed!

Category Winner: Landscape

"I Love Oregon," by Dana Sharman

"A photo taken over a field at sunrise while I was out getting shots of the super blood moon. I turned around and saw this misty, soft field behind me with the orange glow silhouetting the trees and hills, and I couldn't pass this up. I believe it captures all that's beautiful in the valley, especially in our watershed." - Dana S.

Category Winner: Water

"Beazell Forest Waterfall," by Deb Merchant

Deb captured this image of a cascading Plunkett Creek within Beazell Memorial Forest at the end of March, when this tributary to the Luckiamute River is swollen with spring rains and snowmelt. You can almost hear the rushing water and feel the misty spray when you gaze upon this stunning photograph!

Category Winner: Wildlife

"Song Sparrow Sitting in a Bush," by Sam Oliveros

This perky watershed resident gazes right back at us from his perch on a rhododendron branch. Sam's captivating image of a song sparrow was taken near the Willamette River at Mathany Farms in Monmouth.

Category Winner: Plants

"Ferns," by Kent Fields

Kent's beautiful photo of ferns and moss growing under a tree was taken in Soap Creek valley. This image does a wonderful job of capturing the lush and diverse layers of vegetation that exemplify the forests of our watershed.

Category Winner: People

"Fishing the Little Luckiamute," by Emily Plec

In her photo description, Emily writes, "fly-fisher Jackson Stalley and his faithful dog Meisie looking for bass and enjoying the river on a summer day." This engaging image, taken on the Luckiamute River just upstream of the Luckiamute State Natural Area boat launch, draws you in to one of the many possible ways to "love your watershed!" 

Category Winner: Youth Entries

"Cloudy Evening Creek," by Dashiell McNett

Eleven-year-old photographer Dashiell McNett does a wonderful job capturing a seasonal creek that is meandering its way through vegetation underneath a cloudy sky. This seasonal creek runs into Fern Creek, a tributary to the Little Luckiamute River. Thank you, Dashiell, for reminding us that natural beauty is found along even the very smallest of our waterways!

To review the 20th Anniversary Photo Contest rules and guidelines, please click here.