The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the winners of their yearly Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest, an annual favorite.
Christopher Michael won the grand prize for his photo of a river otter, titled “Waterways Wanderer.” There were more than 1,800 entries.
The grand prize package includes $700, a Maryland State Park and Trail Passport, free entry into next year’s contest, and five copies of the 2026 calendar with the winning image displayed on the cover.
Judges also selected first- through third-place winners in four seasonal categories: winter, spring, summer, and fall.
First-place winners for the three remaining seasons (other than the grand prize winner) will receive $100, a Maryland State Park Passport, and five copies of the 2026 calendar. Second-place winners for each season will receive five copies of the calendar.
The Fan Favorite has not been determined yet. That photo will be chosen by popular opinion on the DNR’s Facebook page. Followers can “like” their favorite when the photos are posted on Oct. 1. Voting ends at close of business on Oct. 15. Winner of the Fan Favorite photo receives a one-year Maryland State Park Passport and three copies of the calendar.
Each winning photo and the Fan Favorite will be published in the department’s 2025 annual calendar, which will be available for sale later in the fall.
Winners of the 2025 Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest are below, and larger images can be viewed on the online gallery.
WINTER
First Place (and Grand Prize overall): “Waterways Wanderer” by Christopher Michael
Second Place: “The Keeper Stands Alone” by Christopher Szumlanski
Third Place: “Centennial Lake Ducks” by Jim Bogdanor
SPRING
First Place: “Four Pileated Woodpecker Young” by Brian Smith
Second Place: “Yellow Palm Warbler Chases Dinner” by Geoffrey S. Baker
Third Place: “Seafood Dinner” by Scott Moody
SUMMER
First Place: “Dragonfly” by Anis Khan
Second Place: “Pollinator” by Heather Rees
Third Place: “Robber fly with a meal” by Brian Whitaker
FALL
First Place: “The Milky Way at Blackwater NWR” by Kim Kowalewski
Second Place: “Assateague Horse” by John Carter
Third Place: “Spun Glass Moth Caterpillar” by Michael Mininsohn
