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 193 - 204 of 451
Photo by Dane Wilhelm
Verde River Sheep Bridge during sunset behind some bushes from north east side of bridge
Location: Verde River Sheep Bridge, Tonto National Forest, Carefree Arizona
Photo by Dane Wilhelm
Mountain in focus with blur of tree branch
Location: Sedona, Arizona
Photo by Afton Ralston
Bright colored and hungry, this tiny Gulf Fritillary caterpillar chomps his way through vibrant green foliage, standing out against his surroundings. He never paused in his munching while I observed him, completely unbothered in his quest for food.
Location: Sonoran Desert Museum Tucson AZ
Photo by Afton Ralston
Dapple lighting and linear composition leads the eye to the dazzling many colors of this female broadbill hummingbird. No larger than a chicken egg, this delicate winged beauty kindly waited patiently for her portrait.
Location: Sonoran Desert Museum in Tucson, AZ
Photo by Jake Riel
A picture of yellow flowers growing through a garden bridge at mid-day.
Location: South-east Tucson, near Vail
Photo by Jake Riel
An up-close picture of a Calliandra californica plant, mid-day.
Location: South-East Tucson, near Vail
Photo by Ethan Van Devender
A macro shot of a Prickly Pear Cactus in early morning light. The orange from the sky highlights the tiny orange/yellow spines.
Location: Westwood Ranch, Seligman, AZ
Photo by Ella Ishya
The setting sun casted a warm glow across the desert, catching on my brother's pair of glasseses
Location: Saguaro National Park
Photo by Melydee anderson-meza
A close up of a plant with some of the photo blurred out and other in really well focus.
Location: flowing wells high school Tucson, Arizona
Photo by Charlette Davis
Owl nesting
Location: Andrada Polytechnic High School Parking Lot
Photo by Hailee Stangl
1st picture- a butterfly sitting on a flower
2nd picture- purple flowers
Location: 12960 S Houghton Rd, Tucson, AZ 85747
Photo by Samantha R. Capas
Just a simple photo of a flower, with a bug on it.
Location: Andrada Polytechnic High School