Mingo Swamp Friends Photos at Ozark Regional Library-Fredericktown

The Mingo Swamp Friends, in partnership with Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, initiated the first annual wildlife and conservation photography contest in the summer of 2006.

The display is open for viewing at the Ozark Library in Fredericktown. There is no cost and everyone is invited to enjoy the remarkable works of the photographers.

The purpose of the contest was to showcase the myriad of nature and wildlife photo opportunities available on Mingo and support the growing interest of photography in the local area.  Each year, as entries continue to increase from adult and youth photographers alike, the interest in conservation efforts for the protection of wildlife on the Refuge also increase.

Drury Southwest, Inc., is the sole sponsor of the Mingo Flora and Fauna Photo Contest.  With their support, the event is growing exponentially and fast becoming the premier nature photo contest for the entire central Mississippi River area.

The photo contest offers two divisions: 1) adult, and 2) youth (17 years-old and younger). Judging of entries take place in late July with an entry deadline of July 1st. Photographers may enter any of six categories representing people in nature, artistic enhancement, native plants, native wildlife, Mingo landscapes, or professional. Five experienced judges ensure the utmost in fairness. The panel consists of wildlife biologists and professional photographers - conservationists, who have a special knowledge of photography and Refuge ecosystems and wildlife.

See Mingo Swamp through the camera lens of a diverse number of area photographers. Throughout the month of February, Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, in partnership with the Mingo Swamp Friends, will have winning photographs on display at the Refuge Visitor Center, including “First Light,” 2008 Best of Show by Fred Grayson of Poplar Bluff.

The contest photographs represent any of six categories including people in nature, artistic enhancement, native plants, native wildlife, Mingo landscapes, and professional entries from youth and adults alike. The purpose of the contest is to showcase the myriad of nature photo opportunities available on Mingo and support the growing interest of photography in the local area.

The show will  close at 8:00 P.M. on Friday, March 27, 2009

Mingo Swamp Friends vice president Aaron Horr will be on hand  on from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. Friday March 27  to answer any questions.

 The next showing will be at The National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

US Fish and Wildlife Service Park Ranger Vergial Harp Mingo Swamp Friends vice president Aaron Horrell are co-chairs of this event. 

“We encourage anyone who is interested in entering the contest and needs an entry brochure to contact the Mingo Visitor Center at (573) 222 3589 during normal business hours, or by mail to Mingo National Wildlife Refuge  Visitor Center   24279 St Highway 51   Puxico, Missouri 63960.”