1. Register HERE to sign up for COL's Winter Flash Photo Contest. Winners will be featured in Chikaming Open Lands' (COL) Gallery Hike as a part of Art Attack 2024! Registration is free.
2. Review our contest requirements here.
3. Snap pictures at your favorite COL Preserves this winter. Photographers can submit as many pictures as they'd like to COL at col@chikamingopenlands.org from January 13th to January 22nd. View our complete preserves page here.
4. Send us your photos through email at COL@chikamingopenlands.org (please review our email submission guide here). OR, online here (a Google account is required for online submission. Sorry for the inconvenience).
5. Watch for a confirmation email from COL to make sure we got your photos!
Why Participate?
Winners of the Flash Photo Contest will automatically be offered a spot (for free!) in Chikaming Open Lands' "Gallery Hike" as a part of Art Attack 2024. A "Gallery Hike" is a unique opportunity to experience an art gallery while being immersed in nature. Check out our Gallery Hike Photographer Guide for more information.
Things to Note:
Preserve Rules: Chikaming Open Lands currently has 12 properties open for public access across SW Michigan. Visitors can enjoy the preserves for free from dawn to dusk. Each preserve contains a wide variety of ecosystems that can be sensitive to off-trail hikers, motorized vehicles, foraging, and campfires. These activities are not permitted on our preserves. Please make sure only to take pictures and Leave No Trace when visiting. Check out Our Preserves page to learn more.
Dog Policy: Dogs are permitted on preserve trails but must be on a 6-foot leash at all times. Please pick up after your pet.
Picture Policy: By submitting your photos, you give us permission to share them on our website, Instagram page, Facebook page, or in print materials. It is the photographer's responsibility to obtain the consent of any person(s) depicted in photo submissions.
12/21-1/21: Snowman Hunt! at various Chikaming Open Lands Preserves
1/20: Winter Tree Identification Hike at Edward & Elizabeth Leonard Wildlife Preserve
2/10: Scat & Tracks Hike with Harbor Country Hikers at Merritt & Younger Family Preserves
Commonly Asked Questions:
Are the Preserves only open on weekends?
No, all Chikaming Open Lands properties with public access are open every day from dawn until dusk.
Will there be staff at each of the Preserves?
Due to a limited number of staff, we will not be available at the preserves. Please contact the COL office at (269) 405-1006 with any questions or concerns.
Are pictures taken on cell phones accepted?
Absolutely, as long as they were taken at a COL preserve during the time of the contest.
Is it okay to take my pet's leash off for a picture?
Preserve rules require pets to be leashed at all times to ensure the safety of your furry friends and those who call our preserves home. For a complete list of rules, please visit our Preserve Rules page.
Questions? Email our Education and Outreach Coordinator, Grace, at gball@chikamingopenlands.org. Happy Snapping!
