Will County, Illinois — The Forest Preserve District of Will County has launched its 2026 “Preserve the Moment” photo contest, inviting residents to capture wildlife, landscapes, and native species across the county’s forest preserves and trails.
The contest began Feb. 1 and runs through Dec. 31, with participants allowed to submit up to five original photographs each month. Photos must be taken within a Will County forest preserve or on a District trail and must include the location where the image was captured.
According to the Forest Preserve District, monthly winners will receive prizes and advance to a final round in January 2027, where top photos will compete for overall honors. Winning images may also be featured on the District’s website, ReconnectWithNature.org, in print publications, on social media, and in the agency’s 2027 Forest Preserve calendar.
Prizes include a $500 MasterCard gift card for first place, $250 for second place, and $150 for third place. Each monthly winner will receive a $75 MasterCard gift card. At the conclusion of the contest, three additional participants will be randomly selected to receive $75 gift cards.
Photos will be evaluated based on focus, lighting, composition, creativity, storytelling, and overall impact, with judges giving special consideration to images featuring native species. Monthly finalists will face off in a public vote on the Forest Preserve District’s Facebook page, with the photo receiving the most likes advancing to the final round.
The contest is supported by The Nature Foundation of Will County. Participants are encouraged to review contest rules before submitting entries. Images must be submitted as .jpg files, no larger than 10 MB. AI-generated images are prohibited, though minimal, non-AI photo editing is allowed.
For students, commuters, and young photographers, the contest offers an accessible way to showcase creativity while exploring local outdoor spaces.
