Summer and Fall on Our Refuge Photo Contest 2021

Winners in four categories were chosen by judges in the Friends of the Refuge Headwaters’ (FORH) Summer and Fall on Our Refuge Photo Contest. Submitted photos were taken on Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge or Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. There were 55 incredible entries from 15 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: An Observation of the Observation Deck by Deedee Nadeau of Winona, MN
2nd: Evening Beauty by Nong Sundarapura, Winona, MN
3rd: Early Morning by Cathy Richardson of Winona, MN

Wildlife and Plants of the Refuge
1st: Hey, Watch Me Stick This Landing by Cathy Richardson of Winona, MN
2nd: Mirror, Mirror … by Cathy Richardson of Winona, MN
3rd: Jabba the Toad by Lisa Reid, Trempealeau, WI

Connecting People with Nature on the Refuge
1st: Back in the Backwater by Nong Sundarapura, Winona, MN
2nd: Paddling with Pelicans by Deedee Nadeau of Winona, MN
3rd: Getting to Know the Refuge by John Kenkel, Rochester, MN

Young Nature Photographers
1st: Quiet Morning by Isabelle Katwa of Winona, MN
2nd: Sneaky by Isabelle Katwa of Winona, MN
3rd: Early Morning Rays by Isabelle Katwa of Winona, MN

Winning photos will be on display at the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge on the second floor of 102 Walnut Street in Winona, MN beginning January 14, 2022. Additional exhibitions at other locations will be announced.

Contest judges were (above, left to right) Gayle Maule of Buffalo City, WI, Rick Frietsche of Rochester, MN,  and Cassandra Skaggs visiting from Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in Marion, IL.

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.