Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF) welcomed over 300 photos submissions for the 2024 “Leap In” Photo Contest and sends a ‘congratulations’ to all participants and the top 20 winners.
“The annual photo contest not only demonstrates the beauty and history of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests, it demonstrates peoples’ connections to these special places,” said Marci Mowery, President of the Foundation. “We applaud the photographers for capturing the images and we applaud the leaders who had the foresight to conserve these special places for today and generations to come.”
Kutztown resident Todd Underwood is the first place winner for People’s Choice in the “Beyond the Edge” category with his photo taken at French Creek State Park.
While walking around Hopewell Lake at French Creek State Park looking for dragonflies to photograph, Todd happened upon the turtle basking on a stump, in a wonderful pose. “The water was still that day so there was a perfect reflection of the turtle in the water,” Todd explains. “Usually, the basking turtles quickly disappear underwater as you walk by, but this one sat still for a few photographs.”
“French Creek State Park is one of my favorite parks because of the large, forested area as well as the diverse habitats throughout the park. There is a good diversity of birds, butterflies, and dragonflies that I love to observe and photograph.” He then goes on to express his love of state parks and forests by stating, “I enjoy visiting all of our wonderful state parks, but I spend more time at French Creek because it is the closest park to home.”
You can view the winners and all of the 2024 submissions on PPFF’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/PennsylvaniaParksAndForestsFoundation/photos_albums
The award winners’ photographs will also hang in the East Wing Rotunda in the state capitol in April. Watch the PPFF website for additional details as they become available.
The 2025 Photo Contest is now open to adults and youth! This years’ theme focuses on Pennsylvanian’s love of trails. Whether it’s a slow forest bathing meander or extensive miles climbing mountains, PPFF encourages you to experience the journey. Categories for this year include Beyond the Trail, Comradery on the Trail, Peaceful Easy Feeling, Tales from the Trail, Texture of the Trail, and Young Photographers (12-17). For information on categories, rules, and submitting your photos, visit our website at PAParksAndForests.org/our-work/recreation/photo-contest/.