New Pioneers is excited to bring back our beloved Nature Photo Contest to our 2025 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: kids (<16), amateurs (16+), and professionals (16+). One individual from each group will be awarded “Best Photo,” as determined by our group of judges. Each winner will be prized with a household membership to Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, granting access to over 40 miles of hiking trails to explore, photograph, draw, and immerse in! Plus, Bernheim members get discounts and special invites for local nature-based opportunities - Learn more here.

Judges will determine the winners before the Green Festival, displaying the winning pieces at the Festival 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 23rd, 2025. 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!