The Sense of Wonder Art Contest continues in May. Submit up to three photos and/or poems on the Friends of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge’s website and a special jury will select a winner in both categories — photography and poetry — on the last day of the month.

This month’s contest is open to all who wish to enter their submission after visiting the Rachel Carson refuge; the refuge staff and Friends are celebrating the anniversary of when the refuge was named for the author, conservationist and Maine lover, Rachel Carson.

The Sense of Wonder Art Contest is one of several events and activities the Friends and Refuge staff have organized for public participation until August 2021. Each month has a different theme for those who submit to the contest.

This is a perfect opportunity for you to dust off your old or shine up your new photos and poems to pay tribute to the awe-inspiring refuge landscape, birds, wildlife and people engaged in the outdoors at Rachel Carson. Remember the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of trails located in Wells, Kennebunk, Kittery, Saco, Biddeford and a few other areas. Note: The wildlife refuge urges all visitors to use all the recommended CDC guidelines for recreation on public lands and recreate responsibly and safely.

Each submitted art item must depict how the natural habitats and wildlife of the refuge are experienced by the artist who submits their work.

Submit photos in JPG format no smaller than 1000 pixels on the longest side. Likewise, your poetry can be in either a Word or PDF file or even embedded into an image in JPG format.

Go to https://www.friendsofrachelcarsonnwr.org/art-contest to submit up to three items until May 28.

All winning selections from the year-long contest will be compiled and published in a 2022 wall calendar commemorating the Refuge’s 50th Anniversary Celebration! The “People’s Choice” recognition will be awarded in 2022 for the calendar’s cover.

Note: The art contest theme for June 2021 is “Refuge Landscapes” and submissions are accepted from all art media by all ages.

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