Please join us at the San Marcos Activity Center on Saturday, September 3rd from 5 pm to 7 pm, for the 12th Annual Naturescapes Photography Contest and Exhibition Awards Reception.

This is a great way to support the local arts and conservation efforts! You’ll see the beautiful and inspiring images selected by the contest jurors, John and Kendra Abbott. John and Kendra are professional nature photographers, educators and outdoor enthusiasts based in Austin, Texas. John has focused on dragonflies and damselflies throughout much of his career and has written three books on these beautiful subjects that contain much of their photography. Kendra is an ecologist and focused on endangered species and conservation issues much of her career.

You’ll also get to meet with the photographers, their families, and fellow supporters. We’ll have snacks, refreshments, and live music.

The contest is co-sponsored by the Hays County Master Naturalists Chapter and the Hill Country Photography Club.

A $100 prize will be awarded for Best in Show, $75 for the best Youth Category photo, and $75 for the best Natural Waterscape photo. Up to four $50 Awards of Excellence will be presented for the next most outstanding photographs. Additional Awards of Merit will be presented at the discretion of the contest jurors.

The unique beauty of the natural areas within San Marcos inspired the first Naturescapes Photography Contest. The contest now includes photographs taken in greenspaces and natural areas throughout Hays, Blanco, Comal, Guadalupe, Caldwell, and Travis Counties.

The Exhibition in the Walkers’ Gallery at the San Marcos Activity Center, runs from September 3rd through October 28th, so you’ll have a chance to see the photographs even if you can’t attend the reception.