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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 its eleventh annual amateur photography contest which begins on Earth Day, April 22, 2016.

One of San Diego County’s most precious natural resources, the 784-acre reserve offers 11 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails as well as serene picnic areas and scenic mountain viewpoints. The natural beauty of the reserve includes a portion of Escondido Creek, a variety of native plant communities, and views of the Pacific Ocean, Channel and Coronado Islands, and Laguna and San Bernardino mountain ranges.

“Help celebrate Earth Day by visiting the reserve this weekend, and use your camera to capture the natural beauty it offers,” states OMWD Board President Ed Sprague. “I can’t think of a better way to appreciate and memorialize the beauty of our area than by freezing it in time with a photograph.”

Winning photos will be selected from five categories—Scenic View, Water Scenery, Plants, Animals, and Youth. There will also be a People’s Choice Award, for which the winner will be selected in an online vote. Winners will be displayed at the reserve’s Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty beginning in January 2017. In addition, winners are eligible for prizes donated by local businesses such as dinner donated by Jake’s Del Mar, a photo workshop package donated by the San Diego Zoo, a 24” x 36” canvas print donated by PC Photo, outdoor equipment donated by REI, and a $100 cash prize donated by the Escondido Creek Conservancy.

Entries must feature the reserve as their subject or be taken within the reserve from any trail. Photos must be submitted by September 5, 2016. The awards presentation will take place at OMWD’s November 2 Board of Directors meeting.