For forty years, The Natural Resources Foundation (NRF) of Wisconsin has been endeavored to help protect the state's natural spaces. For the past twelve years, the foundation has encouraged conservation through an annual photography contest. "We want people to recognize how lucky we are here in Wisconsin," says Shelly Torkelson, Communications Director with NRF. "[the photography contest] is just a wonderful way to get people excited about conservation."
The contest is divided into several categories including birds, landscapes, and a People's Choice category. This year's choice by voters was a shot captured by Cheryl Plautz of a white ermine peeking up through snowy undergrowth. The grand prize winner by William Petersen is a detailed image of a dew-covered blue dasher dragonfly. "I don't know how people get these photos," says Torkelson. "Our nature photographers in Wisconsin are very patient people, I'll tell you that."
All of this year's winning photos can be seen online. You can learn more about The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and other upcoming events on the NRF website. "If you're inspired by these gorgeous photos and want to get more involved with protecting nature in Wisconsin, feel free to join us," says Torkelson. "The more the merrier."
You can hear Green Visions at 8:20am every Wednesday on Northland Morning.
