New Pioneers is excited to bring back our beloved Nature Photo Contest to our 2026 Green Festival! This is a lovely opportunity to showcase your artwork or photography of the natural world, and we're accepting submissions NOW - open to ALL, professionals and hobbyists of all ages!

Eligibility Guidelines

• This contest is open to professional, amateur, and hobbyist photographers/artists of all ages. 
• All photo submissions must be genuine, owned, and taken by the entrant. 
• Photo/artwork submissions must capture some aspect of the natural world in Kentucky (ex: landscape, animals, plants, the sky, weather, etc.). 
• All participants under 18 must have their artwork/photo submitted by a parent/guardian. This parent/guardian must accompany the participant if awarded a prize. 
• All photos/artwork must be family-friendly and contain no inappropriate material. New Pioneers has the right to disqualify submissions deemed inappropriate.
• Participants are NOT limited to one submission per person.

Participants of this contest will be divided into three categories for judging: youth (<16), amateurs (16+), and professionals (16+). One individual from each group will be awarded “Best Photo,” as determined by our group of judges.

The amateur and professional awardees of "Best Photo" will receive a FREE New Pioneers' membership for the year AND a copy of The Better World Shopping Guide by Ellis Jones. The winner of the youth category will receive a Nature Exploration Backpack, full of all the goodies you need to play and discover the great outdoors!

Judges will determine the winners before the Green Festival, displaying the winning pieces at the event on Saturday, April 25th, from 10 am - 3 pm. Winners will be contacted via email and may pick up their prize at the festival or during office hours after the festival.

Photos/drawings must be submitted by Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026. Tangible copies may be dropped off at the New Pioneers’ office (127 W Main St, Springfield, KY) on Tues-Fri from 9 am - 4:30 pm. Digital copies must be sent to education@newpioneers.org. Please provide the applicant's full name, phone number, email, and contest category (kids, amateur, or professional) with your submission.

Questions? Contact education@newpioneers.org or call our office at (859) 336-5070!