CHADRON, Nebraska - The Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District (UNWNRD) is hosting the sixth annual amateur photo contest, in search of natural resources related photos from residents within the district encompassing Box Butte, Dawes, Sheridan and Sioux counties. 

The goal of the photo contest is to encourage the residents of the district to capture and appreciate the beauty in their own backyard. “Northwest Nebraska is a beautiful place, with everything from rolling plains in the sandhills to the towering Ponderosa Pine trees in the Pine Ridge, our natural resources close to home are definitely something to showcase,” commented Dave Kadlecek, UNWNRD Director.

In order to narrow down the photos the district will organize the incoming photos into five different categories: Agriculture, Nature, Wildlife, Recreation and Other.  “The 2024 contest procured nearly 300 photos and with these categories, we were able to award five different photographers for their breathtaking photos,” stated Nancy Fisher, UNWNRD Director.

The deadline for the 2025 contest is July 1, 2025.  Please see the list below for requirements to enter your photos.

• The photo must be taken within the district (Box Butte, Dawes, Sheridan, Sioux counties).
• The photographer must be a resident of the district.
• The subject of the photo must be natural resources related.  Ex: agriculture, nature, wildlife, recreation, etc.
• The photographer must be an amateur.  No professional photographers, please.
• The photo must be submitted electronically to:  Kylen Armstrong (armstrong [at] unwnrd.org) and include the photographer’s name, address and phone number.
• Please include a title for your photo as well as the location it was taken. Creative titles are encouraged!
• Cash prizes will be awarded in 5 categories and a canvas print will be made of the overall winning photo to be displayed in the UNWNRD Office until the next winner is selected.  After that time the print will be the photographers to keep.

For more information, please contact Kylen Armstrong (armstrong [at] unwnrd.org or 308-432-6190), see the NRD website www.unwnrd.org or stop by the office at 430 East 2nd Street to see the 2024 winning photo.