Baltimore Resident Takes 1st Place In Nature Photo Contest

BALTIMORE, MD — When Stephen Hayes of Baltimore snapped a photo of a frog on a late spring day, he likely didn't know that it would be among a dozen contest winners out of almost 2,000 entries.

Larson's "Green Tree Frog," taken on June 6, won first place in the "Spring" category of the 2021 Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest.

The contest, now in its 18th year, had a grand prize winner, and judges also selected first through third place winners in four categories – winter, spring, summer and fall. Over 400 photographers submitted nearly 2,000 entries.

As a first place winner, Hayes will receive a Maryland State Parks Passport, a subscription to Maryland Natural Resource magazine and five copies of the 2022 calendar, which will feature every winning entry.

The grand prize went to Nathaniel Peck of Flintstone for "A Raven Having Breakfast," which can be seen below.

Still to be determined is the winner of "Fan Favorite," which will be chosen on the department's Facebook page.

"Followers are encouraged to 'Like' and 'Share' their pick when the photos are posted the week of September 13, with votes taken through September 27," the department wrote on its website.

All of the contest winners and their photos can be found here.