The portrait "Strut Your Duckling Stuff" by Sienna Schwarz won Best in Show in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water DistrictWildlife and Wild Views Win 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest
Seven amateur photographers were recognized by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors at its June meeting for their award-winning entries in the 18th annual Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve (EFRR) photo contest.
The contest ran from November 2024 through April 2025. The winning photographs feature plants, animals, and unique scenery that showcase the 784-acre reserve.
“This contest is a great platform to showcase the natural wonder of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve,” said OMWD board director Ebin Lanfried. “We’re very grateful for all the participants who help bring attention to the importance of protecting open spaces so future generations can enjoy all the beauty that nature has it offer.”
2025 Elfin Forest Photo Contest Winners
Photographs were submitted among five different categories: Scenic View, Water Scenery, Plants, Animals, and Youth (age 15 and under). In addition, EFRR’s Facebook followers selected a favorite photo posted online to represent this year’s Peoples’ Choice award winner.
The portrait “Strut Your Duckling Stuff” by Sienna Schwarz won Best in Show in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
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Best in Show–”Strut Your Duckling Stuff” by Sienna Schwarz
“Welcome to the Jungle” by Brice Folkert won the Scenic View category in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
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Scenic View—”Welcome to the Jungle” by Brice Folkert
The “Water Scenery” category winner is “Escondido Creek by Sky Strehlow. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
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Water Scenery— “Escondido Creek” by Sky Strehlow
“Veins” by Finn Behle won the Plant category in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
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Plants—”Veins” by Finn Behle
This photo of a juvenile skunk titled “Shelter” by Ronnie Bailey Steinitz is the Animal category winner. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
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Animals— “Shelter” by Ronnie Bailey-Steinitz
The Youth category for photographers age 15 and under was won by Ian Kennedy’s photo titled “Clover.” Photo Olivenhain Municipal Water District
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Youth—”Clover” by Ian Kennedy
It’s two wins for Sienna Schwarz, whose photo “Duck Squad” is the Peoples’ Choice winner. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
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Peoples’ Choice— “Duck Squad” by Sienna Schwarz
Winning photographers received prizes donated by local businesses, such as passes to the San Diego Zoo, EcoVivarium Reptile Sanctuary, and California Wolf Center; a canvas print from PC Photo and Imaging; outdoor equipment from REI; and a cash prize from the Escondido Creek Conservancy.
Beginning in July 2025, EFRR visitors can view winning photographs at the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty. The center is open daily, subject to docent availability. Current hours of operation are available by calling 760-632-4212.
