PA Environment Digest

Share this:

PA Parks & Forests Foundation Announces Winners Of 2024 Photo Contest

On January 28, the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation welcomed over 300 photos submissions for the 2024 “Leap In” Photo Contest and sends a ‘congratulations’ to all participants and the top 20 winners.

“The annual photo contest not only demonstrates the beauty and history of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests, it demonstrates peoples’ connections to these special places,” said Marci Mowery, President of the Foundation. “We applaud the photographers for capturing the images and we applaud the leaders who had the foresight to conserve these special places for today and generations to come.”

The winners are--

Judge's Choice

-- Best in Show: Hilary Schnabel, Sproul State Forest

-- Awe: Carey Fritz, Clear Creek State Park

-- Beyond the Edge: Holly April Harris, Ohiopyle State Park

-- ‘Leap In’ to New Experiences: Gloria Benfer, Shikellamy State Park

-- ‘Leap In’ to the Lesser Known: Colin Gillette, Mount Pisgah State Park

-- ‘Leap In’ to Volunteering: Maureen Dwyer, Presque Isle State Park

-- Young Photographer (12-17): Andy Zhang, French Creek State Park

People’s Choice

-- Best in Show: Jessica Mitchell, Kings Gap Environmental Education Center

-- Awe, First Place: Wendy Hampe, Forbes State Forests

-- Awe, Runner Up: Sabine Panzer, Kooser State Park

-- Beyond the Edge, First Place: Todd Underwood, French Creek State Park

-- Beyond the Edge, Runner Up: Rick Baker, Presque Isle State Park

-- ‘Leap In’ to New Experiences, First Place: Ally Latham, Ricketts Glen State Park

-- ‘Leap In’ to New Experiences. Runner Up: David Nolte, Hyner View State Park

-- ‘Leap In’ to the Lesser Known, First Place: Liz Mickley, Fowlers Hollow State Park

-- ‘Leap In’ to the Lesser Known, Runner Up: Jason Philibotte, Pinchot State Forest

-- ‘Leap In’ to Volunteering, First Place: Sam Rob, Pine Grove Furnace State Park

-- ‘Leap In’ to Volunteering, Runner Up: Linda Stager, Tioga State Forest

-- Young Photographer, First Place: Addelyn Brown, Ricketts Glen State Park

-- Young Photographer, Runner Up: Christian Scheibe, Weiser State Forest

Click Here to see all the winners and quotes from the photographers.

All of the 2024 submissions on PPFF’s Facebook page.

The award winners’ photographs will also hang in the East Wing Rotunda in the state capitol in April.

Watch the PPFF website for additional details as they become available.

2025 Photo Contest Now Open

The 2025 Photo Contest is now open to adults and youth! This years’ theme focuses on Pennsylvanian’s love of trails. Whether it’s a slow forest bathing meander or extensive miles climbing mountains, PPFF encourages you to experience the journey.

Categories for this year include Beyond the Trail, Comradery on the Trail, Peaceful Easy Feeling, Tales from the Trail, Texture of the Trail, and Young Photographers (12-17).

The deadline for submissions is September 30.

For information on categories, rules, and submitting your photos, visit PPFF’s 2025 Photo Contest webpage.

Related Articles This Week:

-- DCNR Invites Public Comments To Help Shape A Bold Vision For Outdoor Recreation In PA; 5 Webinars Start Feb. 3 [PaEN]

-- DCNR: Path Of The Flood Trail In Cambria County Named 2025 Pennsylvania Trail Of The Year [PaEN]

-- PA Organization For Watersheds & Rivers Now Accepting Applications For 2025 Sojourn Grants [PaEN]

-- Jan. 31 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation

[PaEN]

-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation Announces Winners Of 2024 Photo Contest [PaEN]

-- Commonwealth Financing Authority Announces $16 Million In Act 13 Funding For Watershed Restoration, Flood Mitigation, Recreation; Small Water & Sewer Application Period Opening [PaEN]

-- Save The Date! May 13-15 DCNR Watershed Forestry Summit [PaEN]

-- Apply Now! PA Master Naturalist Volunteer Spring Training Offered In Adams, Allegheny, Beaver, Berks, Dauphin, Indiana, Montour, Philadelphia, Somerset Counties [PaEN]