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Entrants Eligible for Prizes from the San Diego Zoo, REI, PC Photo & Imaging, Jake’s Del Mar, and the Escondido Creek Conservancy

The deadline is fast approaching for Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve’s fourteenth annual amateur photography contest. Photographers of all ages are invited to upload their images of the reserve at www.olivenhain.com/photo by 5:00 p.m. on September 2.

One of San Diego County’s most precious natural resources, the 784-acre reserve currently offers 11 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails as well as picnic areas and scenic mountain viewpoints. The natural beauty of the reserve includes a portion of Escondido Creek, a variety of native plant communities, and views of the Pacific Ocean, Channel and Coronado Islands, and Laguna, Palomar, and San Bernardino mountain ranges.

Winning photos will be selected from five categories—Scenic View, Water Scenery, Plants, Animals, and Youth. This year’s contest will also feature a People’s Choice Award to be decided in an online vote. Winners will be displayed at the reserve’s Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty beginning in January 2020, and will also be featured on the reserve’s webpage, www.olivenhain.com/efrr, and its Facebook page. In addition, winners are eligible for prizes donated by local businesses such as gear from REI, a gift certificate donated by Jake’s Del Mar, tickets donated by the San Diego Zoo, a canvas print donated by PC Photo and Imaging, and a $100 cash prize donated by the Escondido Creek Conservancy. 

Entries must feature the reserve as their subject or be taken within the reserve from any trail. An awards presentation will take place at OMWD’s November 13 Board of Directors meeting in Encinitas. Participants may visit www.olivenhain.com/photo for official contest rules.

The contest is co-hosted each year by Olivenhain Municipal Water District, which operates EFRR, and the Escondido Creek Conservancy.