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Olivenhain Municipal Water District invites amateur photographers of all ages to Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve for the sixteenth annual amateur photography contest that will run November 21, 2022 through April 23, 2023.

The 784-acre reserve is celebrating 30 years of operation in 2022, and the contest prompts participants to capture its natural beauty in creative and unique ways. The 11 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails provide opportunities to photograph Escondido Creek, native plant communities, the Pacific Ocean, Channel and Coronado Islands, and Laguna and San Bernardino mountain ranges.

“This is the first year that we’ve held the contest over the fall and winter months, and we hope that it will inspire visitors to view and photograph the reserve in a new way,” said OMWD Board President Larry Watt.

Winning photos will be selected from five categories—Scenic View, Water Scenery, Plants, Animals, and Youth (photographers age 15 and under). An online vote will decide a People’s Choice Award winner. Winners are eligible for prizes donated by local businesses such as passes to the San Diego Zoo, a 24” x 36” canvas print from PC Photo and Imaging, outdoor equipment from REI, and a $100 cash prize from the Escondido Creek Conservancy. In addition, winning images will be displayed at the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty from June through December in 2023. OMWD’s Board of Directors will honor contest winners at its June 21, 2023 board meeting.

Entries must feature the reserve as their subject or be taken within the reserve from any designated trail. The deadline to submit photos is 11:00 p.m. on April 23, 2023. Visit www.olivenhain.com/photo for official contest rules and to upload a maximum of four contest entries. There is no entry fee.

“Serenity” by Peter Montgomery – 2022 Best in Show