Stearns Conservation District 2025 Photo Contest Accepting Submissions

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

The photo contest is open to all Stearns County residents. Each person may submit up to five (5) photos in any of our four (4) categories. Categories include 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.), and urban conservation (e.g.: rain gardens, cities, residential, Lake George, storm drain art/storm drains, etc.). Each photo must be submitted separately. Numerous photos can be submitted for each category up to the limit of five total.

The images must be submitted digitally, and they must be high-resolution (at least 1MB). No physical or hard copies will be accepted. When uploading photos taken with a phone, upload the original file size. Please do not include any trademarks, commercial names, or advertisements on the photos. The photos must be in JPG, JPEG, or PNG format, and they must be taken in Stearns County. Do not include photos with identifiable people in them.

The first-place winners in each category (agriculture, wildlife habitat, lakes & rivers, and urban conservation) will receive a $50 Via gift card. In addition, first place winners will be entered into the “Grand Champion” category where they will have the chance to win an additional $50 Visa gift card. Second place winners will be eligible to win a Stearns Conservation District tree sale discount count for our 2026 tree sale. All winning photos will also be showcased in the 2026 SCD calendar. All photos will be judged by the Stearns Conservation District staff and Board of Supervisors.

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 as a winner. Submissions not selected will not be notified.

By participating in the Stearns Conservation District 2025 Photo Contest, the Stearns Conservation District (SCD) has permission to use your name and images you send in for all publications produced by the SCD. By submitting photos, you waive the right to review or approve the completed advertising or promotional material that may be used. The SCD has the authorization to edit, alter, exhibit, publish, or distribute any photos submitted for publicizing of SCD materials. Stearns Conservation District Board Supervisors, employees, and their families are not eligible to participate.

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Submit your photos for the 2025 contest at www.StearnsCD.org/photocontest. Thank you for participating and happy photo shooting!

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