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 241 - 252 of 451
Photo by Anaiza Lopez
Location: Tucson Az
Photo by Emily Rubio
Location: Mount Lemmon
Photo by Gabrielle Marie Summerson
This is a photo of a cactus skeleton left behind buy a dead cactus. It was found in the back of Andrada Polytechnic High School, by the soccer fields.
Location: Andrada Polytechnic High School
Photo by Anaiza Lopez
Location: Tucson Az
Photo by Jeremy Heston
Another angle of the summit of Mount Wrightson providing a beautiful view of the many sky island mountains
Location: Summit of Mount Wrightson
Photo by Tristan Broyles
its a dead cactus still standing up tall
Location: Tucson
Photo by Daniel McNamara
The golden color brings out the spotlight in this photo. It was taken on one of the states beautiful trees and is a subtle reminder of how even the smallest of moments can be beautiful.
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Photo by Sebastian DeJesus
Peaking light shining upon a beautiful set of yellow flowers.
Location: Andrada Polytechnic High School
Photo by Gabrielle Marie Summerson
This photo was taken in the back of Andrada Polytechnic High School during a photography class. It was difficult to take because of how small the spider was but eventually I got a good photo of it. When editing, I especially focused on enhancing the color and detail for the spider.
Location: Andrada Polytechnic High School
Photo by Jeremy Heston
The summit of Mount Wrightson, after a 5-6 hour hike
Location: Mount Wrightson
Photo by Mason Hall
A photo overlooking the city of Oracle AZ. As you overlook the city, take note of the beautiful mountains stretching out across the horizon. Take note of the astonishing ponderosa pine tree and the magnificent forest landscape they create. This photo truly shows off how uniquely charming the state of Arizona is.
Location: Mt Lemmon, overlooking the city of Oracle
Photo by logan smith
this photograph was taken at fossil creek and depicts a waterfall with blue clear water
Location: fossil creek