the dharma blog

Back in December, I posted about The Nature Conservancy’s photo contest (I thought they were showing some real “Web 2.0″ acumen). I even included some of my photos in the post, which a couple of you urged me to enter. Well, I did and today I have great news!

I did not win.

But, a fellow Minnesotan did!

That’s right, of approximately 15,000 photos submitted by more than 2,000 photographers, representing amazing wildlife and natural areas on probably just about every continent, Curt Preuss of Rochester won the “Best Photo from a Conservancy Preserve” category. Congratulations!

The shot of a grasshopper sparrow, taken at the Conservancy’s Weaver Dunes Scientific and Natural Area, is really stunning. An incredible capture and a beautiful image.

Not to boast, but this just reinforces something I already knew: that Minnesota is full of beautiful places and creatures, as well as people who truly appreciate it.

Only further impressing me with their ability to use this contest to engage their members, the Conservancy has opened up voting for the “People’s Choice Awards.” Vote now! (It’s a great excuse to look at some beautiful nature photos.)