The Alliance is pleased to announce the winners of our 2018 Best of the Chesapeake Photo Contest! We received over 100 entries this year, and each image portrayed an important message about the beauty and fragility of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed – but there were a few that stood out to our judges. Check out our winners below!

First Place – “Blue Heron at Wildwood Lake” by John Beatty

Fresh catch by a Blue Heron at Wildwood Lake Park in Harrisburg, PA.

Each photo entry brought a unique “lens” of the Chesapeake to life. Images from diverse landscapes were submitted – from Pennsylvania to Virginia, from cities to countrysides – and our photo contest judges enjoyed viewing so many different scenes from the Chesapeake. The collection of photos that were submitted will help the Alliance by giving us powerful imagery for our important message of clean and healthy lands, waters, and communities so that we can communicate this message to people from diverse landscapes across the Chesapeake.

Second Place – “Turkey Hill Sunrise” by John Beatty

Sunrise on the Susquehanna River at Turkey Hill seen from Long Level Rd in York, PA.

Each entry was judged on composition and how well it conveyed the beauty, power, and importance of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and why the Alliance’s work for Chesapeake restoration is so critical. We received submissions that conveyed a broad range of important messages from the unique serenity of the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams to the urgency for restoration and protection.

Third Place – “Wintery Woody” by Scott Suriano

A Wood Duck Drake shoots me a look reflecting exactly how he felt about this unseasonable first day of Spring weather in Maryland.

Thank you to everyone who submitted to our Best of the Chesapeake Photo Contest! We rely on the power of the Chesapeake community to help us spread the word about how we can achieve a healthy Chesapeake watershed.

Honorable Mention – “Pelican Colony” by Barbara Houston

A pelican colony on Smith Island on a stormy summer afternoon.

Comedy Award – “Scuse Me!!!!” by Isabel Hernandez

Excuse me, pardon me, I beg your pardon, I’m very sorry! Scuse me, pardon me!