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Olivenhain Municipal Water District and the Escondido Creek Conservancy invite amateur photographers of all ages to Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve for the thirteenth annual amateur photography contest which launched on Saturday, April 21, and will conclude on Monday, September 3.

This contest celebrates the 784-acre reserve and prompts participants to capture its natural beauty in an original and inspiring way. The 11 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails provide opportunities to photograph Escondido Creek, native plant communities, the Pacific Ocean, Channel and Coronado Islands, and Laguna and San Bernardino mountain ranges.

“We hope our contest will inspire you to bring your camera on your next hike or ride to see the reserve in a whole new light,” said OMWD Board Secretary Jerry Varty. “Exploring a place through the lens of a camera is an entirely different, eye-opening experience and a wonderful way to spend the day, either on your own or with family and friends.”

Winning photos will be selected from five categories—Scenic View, Water Scenery, Plants, Animals, and Youth (photographers age 15 and under). An online vote will decide a People’s Choice Award winner. Winners will be displayed at the reserve’s Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty beginning in January 2019. In addition, winners are eligible for prizes donated by local businesses such as dinner at Jake’s Del Mar, passes to the San Diego Zoo, a 24” x 36” canvas print from PC Photo and Imaging, outdoor equipment from REI, and a $100 cash prize from the Escondido Creek Conservancy.

Entries must feature the reserve as their subject or be taken within the reserve from any designated trail. The deadline to submit photos is Monday, September 3, at 5:00 p.m. The awards presentation will take place at OMWD’s November 7 Board of Directors meeting in Encinitas. Visit www.olivenhain.com/photo for official contest rules and to upload a maximum of four contest entries.

“Enchanted Forest” by Brian Jolifffe – Best in Show 2017