Photo Contest
Rooted in the HeartLands Photo Contest
Capturing the landscapes, people, and nature that ground us
We would like to sincerely thank all the photographers who took the time to share their talents, helping to tell the story of Southern Illinois through their lens. From sweeping prairies and quiet wetlands and woods to family farms and everyday moments outdoors, the submitted photos celebrate the places and people that make our region home.
These photos help inspire deeper connections to the land and support conservation efforts that protect Southern Illinois for generations to come, and we couldn’t be more grateful for your participation. Thank you for showing us Southern Illinois through your lens.
Congratulations to our 2026 Rooted in the HeartLands Photo Contest Winners
Rooted in the HeartLands Photo Contest – Best in Show
Photo by Kourtnee Bullard
Photo Description: Mushrooms in the sunset of Pere Marquette State Park
Rooted in the HeartLands Photo Contest – HeartLands Horizons People’s Choice Award
Photo by Casey Galvin
Photo Description: Happy Hollow Falls Johnson County
Rooted in the HeartLands Photo Contest – Wild Wonders of Southern Illinois People’s Choice Award
Photo by Caleb Flesch
Photo Description: An egret and a turtle enjoy one another’s company at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.
Rooted in the HeartLands Photo Contest – Fields of Home People’s Choice Award
Photo by Erin Rasch
Photo Description: This photo was taken outside of Lebanon IL in a field near Silver Creek Bottoms. My grandfather found solace on his family’s farm after returning home from the Korean War. Caring for the land well into his 90’s was one of his greatest joys.
Rooted in the HeartLands Photo Contest – Blossoms & Branches People’s Choice Award
Photo by Aaron Stovall
Photo Description: Purple passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) in full bloom at Chautauqua Bottoms Nature Preserve in Jackson County.
Rooted in the HeartLands Photo Contest – In Step With Nature People’s Choice Award
Photo by Monica Threlkeld
Photo Description: Turns out, the biggest fish in Foley Park was just waiting for a red wiggler and a kid with a mission! 🎣 So proud of this little guy and his ‘first pole’ victory. If you see us at the pond, we’ll be the ones with the giant smiles (and probably more worms!)
Contest Categories
HeartLands Horizons
Stunning Southern Illinois Landscapes
Scenic views, topography, and natural features such as woods, wetlands, rivers, bluffs, and prairies.
Wild Wonders of Southern Illinois
Southern Illinois Wildlife
Birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, or insects — native species are especially encouraged.
Fields of Home
Southern Illinois Farms
Family farms, barns, crops, livestock, and scenes from rural and agricultural lands.
Blossoms + Branches
Southern Illinois Native Plants and Trees
Wildflowers, grasses, trees, fungi, and other flora native to the region.
In Step with Nature
People Enjoying the Outdoors
Hikers, bikers, hunters, anglers, families, kids, and community members enjoying parks, trails, and green spaces.
Contest Dates
- Submission Period: January 30 – March 15, 2026 (11:59 PM CST)
- Judging and Public Voting Period: March 17 – March 31, 2026
- Winners Announced: April 2, 2026
Rights & Usage
Photographers retain full copyright to their images.
By entering, photographers grant HeartLands Conservancy a non-exclusive, perpetual license to use submitted photos for promotional, educational, and fundraising purposes, with credit to the photographer. Images will not be sold or licensed to third parties.
Purpose of Contest
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Celebrate the natural beauty, wildlife, outdoor recreation, and agricultural heritage of Southern Illinois
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Encourage the public to connect with local land conservation efforts
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Build a collection of compelling, locally rooted images for HeartLands Conservancy’s outreach, education, and fundraising efforts
Questions?
For more information, please contact: Kristin Fulkerson
Email: kr***************@*******************cy.org