2023-2024 Photo Contest Winners Announced

Winners in four categories were chosen by judges in the Friends of the Refuge Headwaters’ Centennial Photo Contest. Submitted photos were taken on Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. There were 57 incredible entries from 22 photographers making judging a challenging task. The top three places in each category will receive cash prizes.

Results are:

Scenic Views of the Refuge
1st: January Sunset by Amy Cooper of Brice Prairie, WI
2nd: A Winter Wonderland by Deedee Nadeau of Winona, MN
3rd: Sunrise at the Fishing Dock by Rick Schwartz of Winona, MN

Wildlife and Plants of the Refuge
1st: Invitation by Bruce Bartel of Onalaska, WI
2nd: So Much Green by Amy Cooper of Brice Prairie, WI
3rd: Splendid Skipper by Bruce Bartel of Onalaska, WI
Honorable Mention: Reflective Beauty by Bruce Bartel of Onalaska, WI

Connecting People with Nature on the Refuge
1st: Birdwatching Magic – The thrill of seeing your first Grosbeak by Deedee Nadeau of Winona, MN
2nd: Fall Fun with Friends by Amy Cooper of Brice Prairie, WI
3rd: Peace by John Kenkel of Rochester, MN

Young Nature Photographers
1st: Grass Grove Visitor by Isabelle Katwa of Winona, MN
2nd: Autumn Wonderland by Isabelle Katwa of Winona, MN
3rd: Nature’s Garden by Isabelle Katwa of Winona, MN

Winning photos will become part of an exhibit displayed at public events throughout the Refuge Districts in 2024. Best of Show will be determined by public voting during these exhibits.

Contest judges were John Weiss, Casey Finnerty, and Bart Theiler of Winona, MN.

Friends of the Refuge Headwaters are a citizen-based, non-profit organization that partners with and supports the Winona District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in meeting the refuge vision and goals.