2024 Winners!
Category: Nature in the Downriver area
Place: 1st
Photographer: Bradford Ciecko
Photo Caption: Osprey taking a bath in Lake Erie at Pointe Mouillee. The are such fun birds of prey with personality in spades–if you hang out long enough and often enough to watch them.
Prize: $200
Category: Nature in the Downriver area
Place: 2nd
Photographer: Tim Epperly
Photo Caption: This was taken in Ecorse on the Detroit River. I go here in winter to see Bald Eagles fishing on the river. I came across this deer on Mud Island and it appeared to be trying to swim off the island. The ice must have melted after it made it to shore.
Prize: $150
Category: Nature in the Downriver area
Place: 3rd
Photographer: Bradford Ciecko
Photo Caption: A Great Blue Heron soaking up the morning sun on its favorite resting log over the ponds at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.
Prize: $100
Category: Nature in the Downriver area
Place: 4th
Photographer: Angela Dudek
Photo Caption: Soft shell and Northern Map turtles in the Lower Huron River. The river is loaded with turtles and I love taking pictures of them as we enjoy our boat rides upriver.
Prize: $50
Category: A wetland, pond, stream, or river in the Downriver area
Category: A wetland, pond, stream, or river in the Downriver area
Place: 1st
Photographer: Donna Kanso
Photo Caption: This was taken at the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy. The ice storm is what inspired me to take my camera and walk through this beautiful park.
Prize: $200
Category: A wetland, pond, stream, or river in the Downriver area
Place: 2nd
Photographer: Bradford Ciecko
Photo Caption: A perfect sunset over the Brownstown Creek in Gibraltar.
Prize: $150
Category: A wetland, pond, stream, or river in the Downriver area
Place: 3rd
Photographer: Matthew Diehl
Photo Caption: This photo was taken of Humbug Island in the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge in Trenton, MI on July 19th, 2023. This was the maiden flight on my new drone and it was a calm, beautiful evening with warm light illuminating the island.
Prize: $100
Category: A wetland, pond, stream, or river in the Downriver area
Place: 4th
Photographer: Holly Gucz
Photo Caption: Crosswinds marsh. The fall colors reflecting off the water.
Prize: $50
Category: Michigan native plants, trees, or wildflowers
Category: Michigan native plants, trees, or wildflowers
Place: 1st
Photographer: Amy Van Sickle
Photo Caption: At the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge in Trenton, Michigan, milkweed grows in abundance. This Red Milkweed Beetle caught my eye as it posed on a Common Milkweed stalk. After taking this photo, I learned that the Red Milkweed Beetle is a longhorn beetle, so named for their unusually long antennae. These beetles happily coexist on the milkweed with Monarch caterpillars too. How cool!
Prize: $200
Category: Michigan native plants, trees, or wildflowers
Place: 2nd
Photographer: Avery Ciecko
Photo Caption: Raindrops on Leaves
Prize: $150
Category: Michigan native plants, trees, or wildflowers
Place: 3rd
Photographer: Willow S.
Photo Caption: I took this photo at Willow Metropark, while on a hike. I was inspired by my own personal connection to this plant. I have helped multiple people grow this plant from seed with my volunteer group and hadn’t seen it in bloom yet this year.
Prize: $100
Category: Michigan native plants, trees, or wildflowers
Place: 4th
Photographer: Christine Oest
Photo Caption: Native Yellow Lotus flower in bloom at Hull’s Trace, Brownstown Township. Every year I try to catch their incredible mass opening. The scent of thousands of Lotus flowers in bloom filled the air with a light, sweet fragrance.
Prize: $50
2022 Winners!
January Topic: Frozen Waterway, Snow, or Ice
Photographer: Bradford Ciecko
Photo Title: Elizabeth Park Sunrise
Photographer Statement: The sun was rising on a foggy and hazy morning over the river while water-fowl seek the open river between sheets of ice.
Prize: Dinner for two at TV’s Deli & Diner in Trenton
February Topic: Winter Activity
Photographer: Bob Arzadon
Photo Title: Police Sledding Contest at Civic Center Park
Photographer Statement: One day, the Woodhaven police challenge the Allen Park crew to a sledding contest. 24 hours later, there were more than 10 teams in the competition.
Prize: Dinner for two at Big Bear Lodge
March Topic: Your Pet
Photographer: Kimberly Addison
Photo Title: Quincy’s Day at the Beach
Photographer Statement: Our 1-year old Goldendoodle’s first vacation at the beach on Lake Huron in East Tawas!
Prize: $100 gift card to Pet Supplies Plus in Taylor.
April Topic: Spring Rain
Photographer: Paula Gravlin
Photo Title: Spring Rain Fall
Prize: $100 gift card to Riverside Kayak Connection in Wyandotte
May Topic: Stream, Pond, River or other Waterway
Photographer: Randy Krause
Photo Title: White Pelicans
Photographer Statement: American White Pelicans taken May 2022 along Lake Erie Marsh.
Prize: A paddle trip for two
June Topic: Flower or Garden
Photographer: Rebecca Lowe
Photo Title: A Monarch Butterfly
Photographer Statement: A Monarch Butterfly gets ready for flight in Brownstown, MI
Prize:
A gift certificate to Westcroft Gardens and Farm in Grosse Ile, MI
July Topic: Flower or Garden
Photographer: Rosemary Nicholson
Photo Title: Bishop Park
Photographer Statement: Bishop Park in Wyandotte
Prize: A paddle trip for two
August Topic: Stream, Pond, River, or other Waterway
Photographer: Jessica Hancock
Photo Title: Lilypads at Airport Bay (Gibraltar Bay), Grosse Ile
Prize: A paddle trip for two
September Topic: Big Tree
Photographer: Bob Arzadon
Photo Title: Dreaming Skyward!
Photographer Statement: This Big Tree is right next to the final resting place of my parents. I decided to lay on my back and look at the sky, saw this view and took a photo.
Prize: A paddle trip for two
October Topic Topic: Fall Colors
Photographer: Bryan Meldau
Photo Title: Fishing the Huron
Prize: A gift card to the Blue Heron in Flat Rock
November Topic: Wildlife
Photographer: Tom Foxworthy
Photo Title: Great Blue Heron fishing
Prize: A gift card to the Portofino in Wyandotte
December Topic: Iconic downriver location or feature
Photographer: Chris Zawistowicz
Photo Title: Island Sentinel – Grosse Ile iconic Lighthouse
Photographer Statement: Lucky enough to capture the sun rising behind the GI lighthouse on a freezing February morning.
Prize: A gift card for pizza for a week
2020 Winners!
January Topic: Frozen Waterway, Snow, or Ice
Photographer: Bradford
Photo Title: Lake Erie Ice Crystals
Photographer Statement: I was out shooting sunrise, hoping to get some great color. While I did find color the ice formations were even better. The water levels were lower and the also calm so getting a frozen shoreline hat was smooth with clear and intricate formations was pretty spectacular and a pleasant surprise for sure!
Prize: Dinner for two at TV’s Diner in Trenton
February 2020 Topic: Winter Activity
Photographer: UK Chris
Photo Title: Snow Blowing on a Winter Day
Photographer Statement: As with many pictures, it’s just about capturing the moment. I saw how the wind was creating the swirl in the blowing wind and sweeping the snow back onto the person working the snowblower. I thought this caught that miserable, cold feeling when the snow blows back in your face as you plough. Not much time for composition – almost a point and shoot! I got lucky (Taken in Grosse Ile,)
Prize: Dinner for two at Big Bear Lodge in Brownstown
March 2020 Topic: Your Pet
Photographer: Kekadau
Photo Title: Detroit River Dog
Photographer Statement:Chloie just turned 10 on March 1st. She is a mixed breed rescue dog and has been with us for almost 9 years. The picture was taken at Sunrise Park on East River Road on Grosse Ile. She loves to wade into the water there and also enjoys sniffing around on the sand.
Prize: $100 in pet supplies at Pet Supplies Plus in Taylor
April Topic: Spring Rain
Photographer: Bradford
Photo Title: Rain Renewal
Photographer Statement: This was taken in Detroit’s Rouge Park after a rain one evening. The light rays were just coming in so nice and although it was a little early in the evening to really get the late evening “golden hour” glow there was still a warm glow happening. The rain can energize the right setting sometimes, adding life and sparkle to a dry field or a flat and monochromatic landscape. Part of my attraction to this scene was the interplay between the trees, the grasses and the rolling hills and how it’s not necessarily what comes to mind when you think of the city of Detroit. Detroit is going through a rebirth, a renewal of its own and the rain, in this scene, is offering renewal as well.
Prize: a $100 gift card from Riverside Kayak Connection in Wyandotte
May Topic: Stream, Pond, River, or other Waterway
Photographer: Spiritmoodchild
Photo Title: Water Protectors at Dawn
Photographer Statement: We are an Indigenous family (Anishinaabe Tribe), and the inspiration comes from living additionally in an urban setting. I’m raising my children to respect and be a positive voice for preserving water/natural resources. The Detroit River is also rich in history with our ancestors belonging to this area. (photo taken in Bishop Park, Wyandotte)
Prize: A full day paddle trip for two from H2E River Adventures in Flat Rock
June Topic: Flower or Garden
Photographer: Michael Harabedian
Photo Title: Pollination
Photographer Statement: This hummingbird’s favorite spot, Coral Honeysuckle. Thank you to my wife Marian for inspiring me and teaching me how to take photos.
Prize: A $100 gift card from Westcroft Gardens in Grosse Ile
July 2020 Topic: Favorite Park
Photographer: Marilyn Rose Galloway
Photo Title: Sunrise on the River
Photographer Statement: The shot was taken in Bishop Park Wyandotte
Prize: A paddle trip for two from Motor City Rental, Flat Rock
August 2020 Topic: Stream, Pond, River, or Other Waterway
Photographer: K. Johnson
Photo Title: Boardwalk
Photographer Statement:
Prize: A paddle trip for two from Motor City Rental, Flat Rock
September 2020 Topic: Big Tree
Photographer: Michael Harabedian
Photo Title: Big Tree Little Squirrel
Photographer Statement: Taken from an old Oak Tree in Brownstown Michigan. A baby squirrel learning how to maneuver throughout the tree.
Photo Title: $75 Visa gift card
October 2020 Topic: Fall Colors
Photographer: UK Chris
Photo Title: Fall Color Fest 1
Photographer Statement: Fall colors. You can’t usually go wrong with fall colors especially if the light is good with a bright blue sky. The leaf colors were not as bright as I would have liked, but the reflection in the water helped and the fallen tree in the foreground just added some nice interest. Overall the composition made up for the lack of strong, bright leaf color.
Prize: A $100 gift card from Blue Heron Trading Company in Flat Rock.
November Topic: Birds and wildlife
Photographer: PaulaG
Photo Title: Yellow Warbler
Photographer Statement: I have lived and worked downriver my whole life. I love our community and the wonderful state of Michigan. My love for photography seems to grow with time. There is much beauty in our own neighborhoods, local and state parks, you just have to get out to enjoy them.
Prize: Dinner for two at Portofino on the River in Wyandotte
December 2020 Topic: Iconic downriver feature or location
Photographer: UK Chris
Photo Title: Christmas in Wyandotte
Photographer Statement: Wyandotte Christmas lights: Very much a “set up” shot where I had thought more about the picture – ie. I remembered to take my tri-pod knowing I would need a longer exposure to capture the trailing car lights. In the end, there was so little traffic I didn’t get as much of the car lights as I had hoped, but the lack of people also meant I could get a clear, uncluttered shot of the Christmas lights. It would have been impossible to get such clarity with a tripod.
Prize: $100 gift card to Major Tomato, Allen Park
2018 Winners!
January Topic: Drinking Water
Photographer: Kristen Bruley
Photo Title: Hydrogen Bonding
Photographer Statement: Water is amazing! Hydrogen bonding is what allows water to be liquid and form droplets. For this photo, I took a bowl of tap water and photographed droplets hitting it.
Prize: Dinner and a paddle trip for two from H2E River Adventures
February Topic: Frozen Water
Photographer: Jennifer Piekarski
Photo Title: Nature’s Ice Sculpting
Photographer Statement: This was taken at my favorite spot in Gibraltar. This time however I was able to share my spot for the first time with the new person in my life. Just the start of many memories to come.
Prize: Dinner and a paddle trip for two from H2E River Adventures
March Topic: Your Pet
Photographer: Keila Howard
Photo Title: Teddy Bear
Photographer Statement: Gigi loved posing for this photo shoot. I love this picture because she looks like a little teddy bear.
Prize: $50 pet supplies gift certificate and a paddle trip for two from H2E River Adventures
April Topic: Rain
Photographer: Pamela Watts
Photo Title: Rainy Run in Wyandotte
Photographer Statement: I love to run in the rain and I snapped this picture recently on the pier. I loved the fog rising up from the water.
Prize: $100 gift card from Westcroft Gardens in Grosse Ile and a paddle trip for two from H2E River Adventures
May Topic: Flower or Garden
Photographer: Adrienne Simowski
Photo Title: Tickseed
Photographer Statement: Every year, the meadow behind my house breaks out in all sorts of wildflowers. Some of the most pretty are these yellow ones which I believe are tickseed.
Prize: $50 gift card for garden supplies and a paddle trip for two from H2E River Adventures
June Topic: How You Enjoy Your Yard
Photographer: Michael Harabedian
Photo Title: Backyard Yoga with Fox
Photographer Statement: Morning coffee and Yoga with a family of foxes that live near and around the Smith Creek Drain that runs through my backyard on West Road, in Brownstown Township. I enjoy my yard through meditation and relaxation with nature and the wild. Being able to wander and enjoy wildlife in your own backyard is a blessing and I am thankful.
Prize: $50 garden supply gift certificate and a paddle trip for two from H2E River Adventures
July Topic: Your Favorite Park
Photographer: Adrienne Simowski
Photo Title: Quiet Lookout
Photographer Statement: I love Lake Erie Metropark! My family hikes on the nature trails, we visit the nature center, and we love sledding during the winter. This photo was taken when we were hiking on the Cherry Island Trail. There are so many beautiful spots in this park!
Prize: $100 gift certificate to Riverside Kayak Connection in Wyandotte and a paddle trip for two from H2E River Adventures
August Topic: Stream, Pond, River or Other Waterway
Photographer: Adam Blake
Photo Title: Purple Haze
Photographer Statement: I find myself at Bishop Park most mornings capturing Mother Nature at her best during sunrise…this particular morning she put on quite the show!
Prize: $50 garden supply gift certificate and a paddle trip for two from H2E River Adventures
September Topic: Curbside Stormdrain
Photographer: Jeanette Gronda
Photo Title: The Inverted Drainer
Photographer Statement: Most drains are flat. While looking for a photo op, I came upon this unusual dome or inverted drain at the corner of Elba and East River.
Prize: Dinner and a paddle trip for two from H2E River Adventures
October Topic: Fall Colors
Photographer: Karen Hofmann
Photo Title: Autumn in Elizabeth Park
Photographer Statement: Fall is my favorite season! It was a crisp and cool day so I took a drive around the downriver area and ended up in Elizabeth Park. I focused on the crimson colored leaves which left the lovely bridge faded in the background.
Prize: $100 gift certificate from the Blue Heron Trading Company and a paddle trip for two from H2E River Adventures
November Topic: Wildlife
Photographer: Malena Fryar
Photo Title: Life Among the Dead
Photographer Statement: While sitting on my porch, I glanced over at the field across the street with Eloise in the foreground and saw a herd of deer, and of course had to grab the camera for this beautiful scene. It’s not a scene that anyone sees in the city, so I seized the moment.
Prize: Dinner and a paddle trip for two from H2E River Adventures
December Topic: Yourself or Your Family
Photographer: Susan Corpe
Photo Title: Creature of the Grosse Ile Beach
Photographer Statement: My grandson Finn fell in love with this little strip of beach. To him, at three years old, it is the best place in the world, and he constantly asked me to ride him up there on my bike last summer. We spent many hours just sitting on the edge and tossing pebbles into the water. This seemed to be his sanctuary. Sometimes he would drape the seaweed on himself and was dubbed by me The Creature from Grosse Ile Beach.
Prize: Dinner and a paddle trip for two from H2E River Adventures