Winter 2020 Photo Contest

It took several months but we were finally able to arrange an outdoor judging to select the winners of the 2020 Winter on our Refuge Photo Contest. A big thank you to our judges, Rick Frietsche and John Weiss, both of Rochester, and Heidi Bryant of Winona, for their time and keen eye in selecting the winners. Photography on the Refuge is a great way to get outdoors, social distance, and maybe win a prize! Given the inability to offer on-site events this year, the Friends are moving forward with another photo contest that will focus on images of the refuge in fall colors. Details on that contest will be coming out shortly. 

Winners in four categories were chosen. Submitted photos were taken on Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge or Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. Results are:

Scenic Views of the Refuge
1st: Entrance to the Refuge by Theresa Kuschel of LaCrescent, MN
2nd: Fresh Snow by Meg Hurkman of Winona, MN
3rd: Snow Dunes by Lisa Reid of Trempealeau, WI

Wildlife and Plants of the Refuge
1st: Trumpeter on a Chilly Morning by Lisa Reid of Trempealeau, WI
2nd: Immature Eagle, Fairest of Them All by Deb Newquist of LaCrosse, WI
3rd: Tundra Takeoff by Deb Newquist of LaCrosse, WI

Connecting People with Nature on the Refuge
1st: Kick Sledding by Denise Vujnovich of LaCrosse, WI
2nd: Bench by Meg Hurkman of Winona, MN
3rd: Snowshoe by Deedee Nadeau of Winona, MN

Young Nature Photographers
1st: Blinded by the Light by Lewis Shira of Winona, MN
2nd: Boy in the Treetops by Milana Shira of Winona, MN
3rd: Melting of the Mississippi by Milana Shira 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 August 5, 2020. Additional exhibitions at other locations will be announced.