Julien's Journal March 2016 (Volume 41, Number 3) | Page 29

Julien’s Journal is proud
to display the winners of
this year’s nature photo
contest, and congratulate
all who entered.
JUNIOR- WILDLIFE
1. A u t u m n G ra w e “Winter’s Ruby”

by Allie Schmalz,
Dubuque County
Conservation Naturalist

MOMENTS IN

NATURE
D

ubuque County Conservation was thrilled to partner
with Julien’s Journal on the Moments in Nature Photography Contest this
year. Previously known as the “Capture Dubuque” photo contest,
it was started to encourage people to get out and explore Dubuque
County parks and recreation areas. Last held in 2010, we were happy to get the chance to revive it. This year’s enthusiastic response to
the contest was a suprise, with 93 photo entries in seven different
categories. Judges were astounded with the amount of talent in our
Dubuque community, as well as the beautiful moments captured.
This contest is important because of all that nature photography
has to offer. When I experience nature with my camera, I leave
with far more than just a set of pictures. The photos remind me of
the things I saw on my hike that day, the people I was with, and the
moments I enjoyed.
Nature photography has helped sharpen my skills as a naturalist. I
am forced to stop and observe, to appreciate the small things that
other people may just walk right past. I take the time to sit and

just watch the behavior of any wildlife
I encounter so that I might catch some
interesting aspect of their daily routine. In short,
photography makes me slow down and take in all the things nature
has to share. I hope our entrants have gained similar experiences
capturing their moments.
Come and check out the winning photos in the Moments in Nature
photo exhibit at Swiss Valley Nature Center starting on Sunday,
February 21-March 21.
Dubuque County Conservation seeks to provide opportunities for
people to experience their own moments in nature no matter what
their interests. Our naturalists strive to offer educational programming for all ages.
Recently our summer camps at Swiss Valley Nature Center have
opened up for registration, to register and to find out more about
our programming, visit www.dubuquecounty.org or like “Swiss Valley Nature Center” on Facebook!
Look for these winners on our website www.juliensjournal.com.
March 2016  ❖  Julien’s Journal  ❖ 27