News

OMWD’s Board of Directors honored local photographers for their winning images in our Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve‘s twelfth annual amateur photo contest at its November 8 meeting.

OMWD operates the Reserve through a partnership with the US Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management and San Diego County Water Authority. The annual contest offers photographers an opportunity to share the natural beauty protected at the Reserve and contest entries assist in educating the public on recreational opportunities, highlight the importance of preserving open space for native habitat, and support the Reserve’s mission to protect wildlife and natural resources for future generations.

Judges selected winners in five categories, and the public participated by choosing their favorite of 10 selected entries posted on the Reserve’s Facebook page for a special People’s Choice Award.

2017 Photo Contest Winners:

• Best-in-Show – Brian Jolliffe for “Enchanted Forest“
• Water Scenery – Lance Hanekamp for “Sunset Falls“
• Scenic View – Nathyn Casillas for “Crimson Leaf“
• Animals – Tyler Tkachuk for “Lizard’s Gaze“
• Plants – Rena Hodosevich for “Reverie“
• Youth – Pablo Van Dyck for “Detailed Wings“
• People’s Choice – Caroline Demer for “Above the Clouds“

Winners received prizes donated by local businesses, including dinner at Jake’s Del Mar, a photography workshop package from the San Diego Zoo, a canvas print from PC Photo & Imaging, outdoor equipment from REI, and a cash prize from the Escondido Creek Conservancy.

Winning photographs will be on display at our Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty from January 1 to April 30, 2018.