The 2026 Photo Contest is open!

Do you have an eye for nature photography?

The Nine Mile Creek Watershed District wants you to submit photos to its 2026 photo contest. Pictures from all seasons are needed of Nine Mile Creek and lakes, along with photos of flowers, wildlife, or other natural features within the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District. Pictures from the last five years may be submitted, as long as they were taken within our watershed (see the boundaries at our Are you in the watershed page). Credit will be given to contest winners in the calendar, in addition to being recognized in our various media channels.

Please make sure to read the rules and submission guidelines thoroughly, as photos that do not comply with the rules will not be considered.

Winning pictures will be featured in the 2027 Photo Calendar. A complimentary copy will be mailed to all winners. Free copies will be available in December 2026 at city halls and libraries around the watershed, as well as the District office, Discovery Point.

Official Rules

  1. Photos must be taken within the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District within the past 5 years.

    White bloodroot flowers.
    Photo by Nathalie Shanstrom 2022 Photo Contest winner
  2. Photographers may submit a maximum of 15 photos.
  3. Photos must be:
    • Horizontal format/orientation
    • TIF, PNG, or JPEG format (only digital photos will be accepted)
    • Unenhanced, except for standard optimization (cropping, correcting color balance, etc.)
  4. Photos should accurately represent the reality of the photographed scene.
  5. Photographers must know the names and addresses of all identifiable people in the photo.
  6. By submitting the entry form, photographers are also accepting the grant of photo license.
    • If you are not using the digital entry form, you must sign and submit the grant of photo license with your form (see printable entry form below).
  7. Photos that do not meet the above requirements will not be considered.

How to Enter

Bush lake reflecting colorful storm clouds at sunset.
Photo by Paul Erdmann, 2022 photo contest winner

Fill out your contact information and upload your photos on the form at the end of this page.

Upload photos using the form at the bottom of the page.

A maximum of 15 photos allowed per photographer (limit of 15 MB per photo)

Alternatively, mail a flash drive* with pictures and printable entry form (coming soon) to:

Nine Mile Creek Discovery Point
Re: Photo Contest
12800 Gerard Dr.
Eden Prairie, MN 55346

*Storage media used to submit photos will not be returned. Nine Mile Creek Watershed District assumes no responsibility for the photos or storage media.

HELPFUL HINTS

We are especially looking for spring and winter photos. Check to see if your location is within the watershed boundaries at this link: Are You in the Watershed? Photo by Mark Nordby, 2024 contest winner.

Photo Selection

Judging of photographs is completed by the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District and its Citizen Advisory Committee in October. Approximately 25 photos are selected for the calendar.

For More Information

Sign up for our e-newsletter to receive notifications of photo contest updates!

Contact Gael, Education and Outreach Coordinator, at 952-658-9104 or gzembal@ninemilecreek.org.

Fill out my online form.