Stearns County is a diverse county that originates from the people who share a passion and understanding for agriculture and conservation. The Stearns Conservation District (SCD) invites those across the county to submit their photographs for our 2025 photo contest.

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Who can enter? 

• Open to all Stearns County residents. 

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How many photos can I enter?

• Each person may submit up to five (5) photos in any of the categories (numerous photos can be submitted for one category.

 

Categories: ​

• Agriculture (e.g.: irrigation, crops, people, planting, harvesting, equipment, etc.

• Wildlife Habitat (e.g.: pollinator, wildlife habitat, native plants, etc.)

• Lakes and Rivers (e.g: local rivers and lakes, wildlife habitat, sunsets/sunrises, etc.) 

• Urban Conservation (e.g.: rain gardens, cities, residential, Lake George, storm drain art/storm drains, etc.)

 

Each photo must be submitted separately.

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Image guidelines

• High-resolution (at least 1MB) images digitally submitted. No physical or hard copies will be accepted. When uploading photos taken with a phone, upload the original file size. No trademarks, commercial names, or advertisements can be on the photos.

• Photos must be in JPG, JPEG, or PNG format.

• Photos must be taken in Stearns County  

• No identifiable photos of people 

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Deadline

• Photos will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on November 2nd, 2025. Those submitting photographs will be notified via email if one of their image(s) was selected. Submissions not selected will not be notified.

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Prizes

• First place: Winners of each category will receive a $50 Visa Gift card. All first place winners will be entered into the "Grand Champion" category, with one winner receiving an additional $50 Visa Gift card. All winning photos will be showcased in the 2026 SCD calendar. 

• Second place: Winners will be eligible to win a Stearns County SWCD tree sale discount code.

• Judging: Photos will be judged by the Stearns County SWCD Board of Supervisors.

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Disclaimer - usage consent 

By participating in the Stearns Conservation District 2025 Photo Contest, I hereby grant the Stearns Conservation District (SCD) permission to use my name or images I have photographed in all publications produced by the SCD. By submitting photos, I waive the right to review or approve the completed advertising or promotional material that may be used. I authorize the SCD to edit, alter, exhibit, publish, or distribute any photos submitted for publicizing of SCD materials. I have read and fully understand the contest rules of the SCD 2025 Photo Contest. Stearns Conservation District Board Supervisors, employees, and their families are not eligible to participate. 

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If you have questions or technical difficulties, please contact the Stearns Conservation District at 320-251-7800 ext.3 or via email at info@StearnsCD.org