Joliet, IL – A Joliet resident has been named the April winner of a Will County forest preserve photo contest after capturing what she described as a “magical” spring moment among blooming bluebells.
According to the Forest Preserve District of Will County, Michelle Wendling won the Preserve the Moment photo contest with an image taken at O’Hara Woods Preserve in Romeoville, located in Will County within the southwest Chicago metro region. Her photo features Virginia bluebells blanketing the forest floor during peak bloom.
Wendling said she frequently visits the preserve during bluebell season and took the winning photo during an early morning hike before work. She described a layer of fog lifting as sunlight filtered through the trees, creating a glowing effect across the landscape.
“There was a morning fog, and when the rising sun hit the fog, everything began to glow in the most heavenly light,” Wendling said. “It was just a magical moment.”
Wendling, who works as a medical biller, said she enjoys sharing scenes like this through her photography and hopes others connect with the image.
Honorable mentions for April included photographers from across Will County and nearby suburbs, featuring wildlife and nature scenes captured in Naperville, Homer Glen, and Joliet preserves.
The Preserve the Moment contest runs monthly through Wednesday, Dec. 31, with winners receiving $75 gift cards and advancing to a final round in January. Top finishers in the final round can receive up to $500, with additional prizes awarded.
Officials encourage participants to review contest rules and submit up to five photos per month taken within Will County forest preserves.
