2026 Adventures in Nature Student Photo Contest

“Reprieve” by Max Tuttle/Honorable Mention in the 2025 student photo contest, is a photo of a green and purple hummingbird against a dark backdrop.

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.

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The contest will begin accepting submissions on March 1st, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

GALLERY

Displaying 265 - 276 of 451
Photo by AARON MINTON |

Photo by AARON MINTON

Location: Silly mountains

Photo by Jhonatan Felix |

Photo by Jhonatan Felix

Location: Tucson

Photo by Mitzya Luna | A detailed close-up of vibrant pink flowers clustered along a thin branch, with soft green leaves including a blurred background, which makes the vivid flowers stand out as the main focus.

Photo by Mitzya Luna

A detailed close-up of vibrant pink flowers clustered along a thin branch, with soft green leaves including a blurred background, which makes the vivid flowers stand out as the main focus.

Location: Flowing Wells High school

Photo by Savana James |

Photo by Savana James

Location: Flowing Wells High School

Photo by Basilio molina | I close up shop of a purple flower blooming in the start of spring.

Photo by Basilio molina

I close up shop of a purple flower blooming in the start of spring.

Location: Flowing wells high school

Photo by Noelia Ibanez | Worn cowboy boots rest among scattered dead leaves, capturing the quiet, weathered spirit of the Old West

Photo by Noelia Ibanez

Worn cowboy boots rest among scattered dead leaves, capturing the quiet, weathered spirit of the Old West

Location: Tucson

Photo by Giana Garcia | photo taken after a rainy day in Tucson, this bright flower contrasts with fresh green leaves and fresh droplets, capturing a rare refreshed side of the desert.

Photo by Giana Garcia

photo taken after a rainy day in Tucson, this bright flower contrasts with fresh green leaves and fresh droplets, capturing a rare refreshed side of the desert.

Location: Flowing Wells High School

Photo by Melina Martinez | This image was taken of flowers near my school campus. It was when the flower began to grow and be able to be seen after a long winter.

Photo by Melina Martinez

This image was taken of flowers near my school campus. It was when the flower began to grow and be able to be seen after a long winter.

Location: Tucson

Photo by Olive | When I took the photo, the first thing I noticed was the dynamic angle., it really stuck with me.

Photo by Olive

When I took the photo, the first thing I noticed was the dynamic angle., it really stuck with me.

Location: Flowing Wells HighSchool

Photo by Madalynn Ebert | Tree

Photo by Madalynn Ebert

Tree

Location: Flowing Wells High School

Photo by Savana James |

Photo by Savana James

Location: Flowing Wells High School

Photo by jazlyn odell | leaf in the shadows

Photo by jazlyn odell

leaf in the shadows

Location: flowing wells high school