The Friends of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge announced the 2025 Sense of Wonder Photo Contest begins April 1. According to a news release, the Friends are inviting photographers of all ages to submit photos for the fifth annual contest. Submissions will be accepted through June 15.

The Sense of Wonder photo contest, held by the Friends of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, is accepting submissions through June 15. Dan King / Community editor

Participants may submit up to three photos to the Friends at www.friendsofrachelcarsonnwrt.org/photo-contest. Other methods for submitting digital images will be considered. For more information, email friendsofrachelcarsonnwr@gmail.com.

Twelve winning images will be selected by a panel of judges based on content, clarity, composition, and overall impression. The photos will be used for the 2026 Rachel Carson Refuge calendar that will be available beginning October 2025.

A Best in Show photo will be selected for the calendar cover. In addition, a Young Photographer Award will be selected from entries by photographers age 17 and younger.

Photo submissions must be taken on Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge property located in Wells, Kittery, Biddeford, Saco, or any other area designated as refuge land. Judges will look for images from all four seasons, so photos taken in previous years are welcome.

The Friends will accept photos from any camera type, including smart phones. All styles of photography including color, black and white, high dynamic range alterations, and other artistic changes deemed necessary and interesting by the artist are acceptable. Submitted photographs must be original to the artist submitting it. No watermarks are accepted.

Photo specifications are horizontal or landscape orientation only (not vertical); high resolution (300-600 dpi) JPG between 8-20 megapixels (minimum 2550 x 3300 pixels).

Submit up to three photos until June 15 at www.friendsofrachelcarsonnwrt.org/photo-contest.

By entering, all artists agree that submitted photos may be used in promotional and marketing materials (with artist credit) by the refuge and the Friends.

The Friends support the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in its mission to preserve land for migratory birds and local wildlife. Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is located in York and Cumberland counties and consists of 11 divisions, totaling 5,600 acres scattered throughout the towns of Kittery, York, Ogunquit, Wells, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Scarborough, and Cape Elizabeth.

The refuge was named for the author, conservationist, and Maine summer resident Rachel Carson, who among other books, authored, “The Sense of Wonder,” a book inspired by her years along the Maine coast and her days connecting with nature with her nephew, Roger.