“ Cypress Cove” – 2006 Best of Show by Tim Vollink

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 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 & 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.

Winning photographs of the Mingo Flora & Fauna Photography Contest are exhibited throughout the year at select museums and nature centers across the region. These regional supporters of conservation include Sikeston Depot Museum, Missouri Department of Conservation Nature Center at Cape Girardeau, Three Rivers Community College Tinnin Fine Art Center in Poplar Bluff, and Mingo National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Puxico. For more information about the contest or exhibit locations, visit the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center or telephone the Center at 573-222-3589.