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Olivenhain Municipal Water District is launching its annual Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Amateur Photo Contest. The contest is open to photographers of all ages. Now in its nineteenth year, submissions from hundreds of photographers over the years have highlighted EFRR’s plants, wildlife, and landscapes. The contest runs from November 22, 2025 through April 26, 2026.

OMWD operates EFRR’s 784 acres of open space through a partnership with the US Bureau of Land Management and San Diego County Water Authority. EFRR’s 11 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails offer opportunities to photograph Escondido Creek, native plant communities, the Pacific Ocean, Channel and Coronado Islands, and the Laguna and San Bernardino mountain ranges.

“These images showcase the importance of what EFRR seeks to protect for future generations,” said OMWD Board Director Ebin Lanfried. “It’s exciting to see EFRR through the eyes of passionate photographers, capturing new perspectives through the lens of an artist.”

Winning photos will be chosen from five categories: Scenic View, Water Scenery, Plants, Animals, and Youth (photographers age 15 and under). Winners can receive prizes donated by local businesses, such as the San Diego Zoo, EcoVivarium Reptile Sanctuary, California Wolf Center, PC Photo and Imaging, REI, and Escondido Creek Conservancy. Winning images will be displayed at the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty from July 2026 through December 2026.

For more details about official contest rules and to submit a maximum of four photo contest entries, visit www.olivenhain.com/photo. There is no entry fee.