2021 first place photos. Top left: "Sunrise with Faith ii Fishing Tug" by Susan Mangan. Top right: "Polar Dip" by Joseph Eichers. Lower left: "Ollie the Otter" by Julie DeLisle. Lower right: "Milky Way Giving Way to Sunrise" by Brendan Dowling. (Courtesy DNR)

DNR opens entry period for Great Waters Photo Contest and Writing Project

March 3, 2023

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is accepting entries for the 15th annual Great Waters Photo Contest and Writing Project now through April 1, 2023. Winning photographs and writing submissions will be included in the 2023-2024 Wisconsin’s Great Waters Calendar.

The photo contest and writing project highlights the many ways people connect with and value the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. It inspires greater care of these vast, yet vulnerable resources.

For inspiration and examples of past submissions, view the 2022-2023 Wisconsin’s Great Waters Calendar here.

Judging will be completed by a panel of DNR staff. Criteria for judging includes visual and technical merit, creativity and composition. All authors and photographers will be credited.

Share Your Favorite Photos

Eligible entries include photos of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior or the Mississippi River in Wisconsin. Photos of all seasons are needed and are accepted in the following categories:

People enjoying Wisconsin’s Great Waters
Cultural and historical features
Natural features
Wildlife

How to Submit Photo Entries

View the photo contest rules and instructions online here. Email photography entries by April 1, 2023 to: DNRGreatWatersPhotoContest@Wisconsin.gov. Include your name, address, phone number and email address.

Calling All Writers

Do you have a passion for writing and our natural resources? We’re seeking original short essays, stories or poems inspired by your connection to our Great Waters.

Or, share a description about a stewardship project you completed to protect or restore the shore, wetlands or beaches of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior or the Mississippi River. Include a description of the partners involved, funding and accomplishments.

How To Submit Written Entries

Written submissions should be approximately 200 words. Email writing entries by April 1, 2023 to: DNRGreatWatersWritingProject@Wisconsin.gov. Include your name, address, phone number and email address.

Learn More

Additional information about the Great Waters Photo Contest and Writing Project, including past entries, submission guidelines and entry details are available online here.

Questions? Contact Susan Tesarik, DNR Office of Great Waters at [email protected] or 608-977-2416.