Lake Jennings 2023 Spring Photo Contest Winners Announced
Scenic views, beautiful birds, and unusual weather are all featured in the winning photos in the Lake Jennings 2023 Photo Contest. The contest is held annually by the Helix Water District.
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Photographers Honored For Winning Images of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
Images from seven photographers were selected as the winners of the 16th annual Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest. The winning photos were recognized at the June 21 Olivenhain Municipal Water District board meeting.
The contest offers amateur photographers an opportunity to connect viewers with wildlife and the outdoors. Submissions support the reserve’s efforts to protect wildlife and natural resources.
Sweetwater Authority 2023 Student Photo Contest Open
The 15th annual Sweetwater Authority High School Photo Contest is now open for entries. The contest showcases and celebrates how safe, reliable water service supports our daily lives through photography. The theme for the 2023 contest is “Water In Daily Life.”
Sweetwater Authority Logo 2019Sweetwater Authority’s High School Photo Contest Encourages Creativity in Highlighting the Importance of Water
Chula Vista, Calif. – Sweetwater Authority is now accepting entries for its 2023 High School Photo Contest. Now in its 15th year,
the contest aims to showcase and celebrate through photography how safe, reliable water service supports everything we do.
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest Open
The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest gives amateur photographers more visual opportunities in its 16th year, accepting entries from Fall through early Spring 2023.
Designed to be a fun and educational way to showcase the natural beauty at Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, the contest is open for entries from November 21, 2022 through April 23, 2023.
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest Open
The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest gives amateur photographers more visual opportunities in its 16th year, accepting entries from Fall through early Spring 2023.
Designed to be a fun and educational way to showcase the natural beauty at Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, the contest is open for entries from November 21, 2022 through April 23, 2023.
“This is the first year that we’ve held the contest over the fall and winter months, and we hope that it will inspire visitors to view and photograph the reserve in a new way,” said OMWD Board President Larry Watt.
Natural backcountry
Located west of Escondido, the 784-acre reserve celebrates 30 years of recreational opportunities in 2022. EFRR‘s 11 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails offer views of the Pacific Ocean, Olivenhain Reservoir, Escondido Creek, and the natural backcountry.
The 2023 Elfin Forest Photo Contest is open to all photographers through April 23, 2023. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Photography prizes
Winners will be selected from six categories: Water Scenery, Scenic View, Plants, Animals, Youth (age 15 and under), and People’s Choice.
Winning photographers are eligible for prizes from contest sponsors, including $100 cash from the Escondido Creek Conservancy, Zoo/Safari Park passes from the San Diego Zoo, a 24″ x 36″ canvas print from PC-Photo.net, and gear from REI. Select winning submissions will be displayed at the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty.
Contest entries serve to help educate the public on local recreational opportunities and support EFRR’s mission to protect wildlife and natural resources. For official rules and to upload entries, go to: www.olivenhain.com/photo.
Supporting the mission to protect natural resources
“Reservoir Dogs” by CJ Edingfield-Murphy won the 2022 Elfin Forest Reserve Photo Contest Animal category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
In previous contests, talented amateur photographers turned their lenses on skies and streams, coyotes and cacti, and found hidden details in nature to produce winning images of the natural beauty protected at EFRR through a partnership between OMWD, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and the San Diego County Water Authority.
Open daily from 8 a.m. to approximately thirty minutes before sunset, EFRR is located at 8833 Harmony Grove Road in Escondido. The interpretive center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., subject to docent availability. Admission and parking are free.
“Serenity” by Peter Montgomery was the 2022 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest “Best in Show.” Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
(Editor’s note: The Olivenhain Municipal Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region. The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is an element of the Olivenhain Water Storage Project and the San Diego County Water Authority’s Emergency Storage Project. Owned by the Water Authority and managed by OMWD, the Reserve has been designed to unify the interests of domestic water supply development, natural resources management, and recreational opportunities.)
Otay Water District Selects Instagram Photo Contest Winners
The Otay Water District selected four winners in its New Year-themed Instagram photo contest as part of its campaign to encourage water-saving efforts during the statewide drought. One is an Otay Water District customer, and three others live within San Diego County.
The four talented photographers put their skills to use, helping to make their community’s residents and businesses more aware of the need to save water.
“This contest was one of many ways we continue to educate the community on the importance of saving water,” said Otay Water District Board President Tim Smith. “Although San Diego County may have reliable supplies for 2022 and beyond, the state remains in a drought, and the Otay Water District is doing its part to support the state’s efforts asking residents and businesses to step up conservation efforts now for current and future conditions.”
Photo contest winners depict family and nature
All photo entries were posted to social media, including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, using the hashtag #OtaySaveWaterResolution. Although the contest was open to all U.S. residents, the Otay Water District encouraged its customers to enter and share their ideas.
“Most Likes”
Emily Tutor is the 2022 Otay Water District Instagram Photo Contest for “Most Likes,” and it’s easy to see why. Photo Courtesy: Otay Water District
First-place winner is Emily Tutor, @emily_anne04. She wrote, “In 2022 we’re conserving water by fixing our dripping sinks!”
Second-place winner @jwilzen’s photo champions composting to help with conserving water. Photo Courtesy: Otay Water District
Second-place winner Janna Wilzen, @jwilzen, explained, “Indoor and outdoor composting helps with conserving water by improving the soil chemical properties; thereby assisting to increase soil matter. Additionally, collecting runoff water from the rain helps to reduce the amount of polluted waters which can affect all wildlife in all ecosystems. Self-watering planters are also beneficial in conserving water as they have reservoirs that sit at the bottom of the planter which evenly distribute water when it’s needed.”
Winning photos selected by the Otay Water District
Otay Water District personnel chose their winners based on theme, originality, and creativity.
Photographer @rosie_barnett_photography is the 2022 Otay Water District Instagram Photo Content first-place winner. Photo Courtesy: Otay Water District
Photographer Rosie Barnett of @rosie_barnett_photography is the first-place winner. She offered tips for her fellow residents as part of her entry.
“Your garden is an extension of your home and a great place to start when conserving water! Did you know you can have a beautiful garden and still be #waterwise! Here are a few tips:
* Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets and couplings
* Water your lawn only when it needs it
* Water during the cool parts of the day
* Plant drought resistant trees and plants
* Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants
* Use a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks and steps
*You could possibly save up to 100 gallons a day!”
Of her win, Barrett commented, “What an honor!”
Heaven Morgan shared her gardening know-how in her winning photo. Photo Courtesy: Otay Water District
Second-place winner in selected by Otay category is Heaven Morgan, @heavenmajesta, who shared her gardening know-how.
“Rehab plants + Water saving tricks = pure joy! 🌱💦✨ A really easy way to save a bit of water around the garden is to keep a dish under potted plants! This allows the runoff to be either used to water other plants or absorbed back into the plant by way of wick watering which means you don’t have to water as often! Another easy way to make use of the run off is to hold potted plants over in ground plants or planters while watering this method allows the extra water to run right off onto the next plant! Happy gardening!”
Winners received either restaurant gift cards or Amazon gift cards.
To learn more about conservation practices, water-use efficiency, and other resources available to Otay customers, go to otaywater.gov/conservation.
Editor’s note: The Otay Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)
Lake Jennings 2022 Spring Photo Contest Call For Entries
The 11th annual Lake Jennings Spring Photo Contest is now open for entries. The theme is “Life at the Lake.”
The contest goal is to share the beauty of the reservoir and its surroundings with the local community while highlighting public recreation opportunities. Photos can capture any aspect of the lake, including recreation, fishing, lake vistas, wildlife, and wildflowers.
Lake Jennings 2022 Spring Photo Contest Call For Entries
The 11th annual Lake Jennings Spring Photo Contest is now open for entries. The theme is “Life at the Lake.”
The contest goal is to share the beauty of the reservoir and its surroundings with the local community while highlighting public recreation opportunities. Photos can capture any aspect of the lake, including recreation, fishing, lake vistas, wildlife, and wildflowers.
Photos taken at Lake Jennings between March 1 and May 31, 2022 are eligible.
Contest participants can get a free day-pass to access, explore and photograph the scenic reservoir in Lakeside.
Judging will be performed by a panel of Helix Water District staff. Entries are judged based on this year’s theme, visual appeal, technical quality, and creativity.
Photographer Johnathan Bradley of Lemon Grove won first place in 2021 for his image titled “Open Field.” Photo: Helix Water District
“We encourage photographers of all skill levels to visit Lake Jennings and enter the 2022 Spring Photo Contest,” said recreation manager Kira Haley. “Lake Jennings offers visitors plenty of beautiful things to photograph like its scenic views, clear water, numerous trails, fishing, and plenty of wildlife.”
Cash prizes and public recognition for winners
Gabriel Heilpern’s photo “Fishing on the Lake,” was second in the youth category last year. Photo: Helix Water District
Contest sponsor, Helix Water District, will award prizes in two divisions, adult and youth. First-place winners in each division will receive $150; second-place winners will receive $100, and third-place winners will receive $50. Awards will be presented at a public board meeting in June.
Participants must submit entries digitally to by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31. There is a limit of three photo submissions per photographer. Photos may not contain watermarks. See rules, and entry, and model release forms at http://www.lakejennings.org/photo-contest/.
In 2021, third place in the Adult category went to Jeff Morin for “Ladies On A Lunch Break.” Photo: Helix Water District
Sixty-one photographers submitted their work in 2021. Photographer Johnathan Bradley of Lemon Grove won first place for his image titled “Open Field” and second place for the photo “Sun Star.” Third place went to Jeff Morin for “Ladies On A Lunch Break.”
In the Youth category, first place went to Aaron De’Souza for “Cacti by the Lake,” and second place to Gabriel Heilpern, “Fishing on the Lake.”
Photographers planning their visit should check the Lake Jennings website for current information on hours and access.
(Editor’s note: The Helix Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)
Winners Announced in Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest
Amateur photographers turned their lenses on skies and streams, coyotes and cactus, and overlooked details in nature to produce seven winning images in the 15th annual Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest. The winners were announced at the Olivenhain Municipal Water District February 2022 board meeting.
The seven photos are now on display in the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty through April 30, 2022. The Escondido Creek Conservancy contributed printing services to showcase one of the North County’s favorite hiking spots.
The contest’s goal is to promote the importance of open space and wildlife habitat preservation. Talented amateur photographers get an opportunity to share images of the natural beauty protected at EFRR through a partnership between OMWD, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and the San Diego County Water Authority.
Supporting the mission to protect natural resources
“In the Details” by Christie Lothrop wins the “Plants” category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Contest entries assist in educating the public on local recreational opportunities and support EFRR’s mission to protect wildlife and natural resources.
“I think we have all come to appreciate the outdoors and nature a little more during the pandemic,” said OMWD Vice President Kristie Bruce-Lane. “The beautiful scenes depicted in these winning photos shine a light on the importance of open space so that future generations can experience and enjoy it.”
Winners were selected in five categories: Scenic View, Water Scenery, Plants, Animals, and Youth (under age 15). The public also selected a “People’s Choice” award winner by voting for their favorite among 12 entries posted on EFRR’s Facebook page. One photo received the “Best In Show” designation as the top photo.
This year’s photo contest winners
“Serenity” by Peter Montgomery is the 2022 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest “Best in Show.” Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
The Scenic View category winner is “Above the Fog” by Brandon McDonald. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Brandon McDonald won in a second category, Water Scenery, with “Morning Reflections.” Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
These cuddling canines won the Animal category with “Reservoir Dogs Sleeping” by CJ Edingfield-Murphy. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
“Cactus” by Ashley Hahlen is the Youth category winner for photographers under age 15. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Photographers received prizes including San Diego Zoo tickets, a 24″ x 36″ canvas print donated by PC Photo & Imaging, outdoor equipment donated by REI, and a $100 cash prize donated by Escondido Creek Conservancy.
The interpretive center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., subject to docent availability.
EFRR offers approximately 11 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails, as well as picnic areas and scenic mountain viewing points. Open daily from 8 a.m. to approximately thirty minutes before sunset, EFRR is located at 8833 Harmony Grove Road in Escondido. Admission and parking are free. More information is available on its website.
(Editor’s note: The Olivenhain Municipal Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)
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