2026 Adventures in Nature Student Photo Contest
Photograph by Max Tuttle
The Nature Conservancy in Arizona, in partnership with Arizona Highways Magazine, presents the 13th annual “Adventures in Nature” student photo contest! Students aged 13-18 are invited to enter up to two photos that capture Arizona’s beauty and wildlife for a chance to win cash prizes. The contest is open for submissions between March 1st and March 31st, 2026, and the top 10 winners will be announced on a virtual awards ceremony on April 16th, 2026. All contestants will receive a Zoom invitation by email. See last year’s winners here.
Prizes:
1st place — $5,000
2nd place — $2,500
3rd place — $1,000
7 honorable mentions — $250 each
Please view the updated OFFICIAL RULES before submitting entries.
GALLERY
Displaying 61 - 72 of 451
Photo by Julia Baker
A mature male San Esteban spiny-tailed iguana perched, basking in the sun, on the skeleton of a saguaro cactus.
Location: Arizona Desert Museum
Photo by Adam Bustamante
Backyard view on a rainy evening.
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Photo by Archer Williams
A Quail in its natural rural habitat with south mountain in the background and cacti in the frame.
Location: South Mountain
Photo by Archer Williams
The focus on a dark tree in a natural water setting with ducks in the water
Location: Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
Photo by Gianna Carducci
Location: Gilbert Arizona
Photo by Sophie Schwertfager
This is a photograph of a Navajo Angora goat I photographed at my very own schools FFA Barn. Navajo Angora goats have a long history in Arizona, they represent a resilient pastoral tradition which was introduced in the late 19th century to Arizona's high desert. They provided mohair for textiles and were integrated into traditional Navajo herds. The Angora goats became a cornerstone of Navajo pastoralism, with mohair and goat milk providing both sustenance and income.
Location: Campo Verde's FFA Barn
Photo by Kamila Chavez
Taken on a school field trip
Location: Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
Photo by Ava Beckwith
Mountain scenery
Location: Superstition Mountains
Photo by Ava Beckwith
Mountain formation with holes indented all over with one giant hole people go to explore
Location: Papago Park
Photo by Braedyn Salado
flamingo at the Wildlife World Zoo. Captures a flamboyance and one flamingo spreading out their wings.
Location: Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park, AZ
Photo by Ofelia Slatara Sudano
Sandhill Cranes dance across the early morning sky in an arrow formation.
Location: Cochise Lake
Photo by Izabella Rodriguez
Location: Flowing Wells High School