Photography contest winners announced

The Friends of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge have announced winners of a 2018 photography contest.

The best of show honor went to Jon Montgomery of Du Quoin for a picture of two red-bellied woodpeckers.  

Two Refuge Staff Choice awards were presented. Emma Valleroy of Red Bud received the youth award for “The Garden.” The award for adults went to LaRita Nance of Simpson for “Reflection.”

First place for youth went to Olivia Drew of Benton for “Monarch Butterfly.”

Each winner received a ribbon. Cash prizes also were presented for first place, second place and third place.

Winners in each of the categories included: 

Youth 

Honorable mention: Dylan Taylor of Herrin and Delaney Martin of Salem.

Third place: Hannah Bendler of Herrin.

Second place: Drake Penrod of Jonesboro.

First place: Olivia Drew of Benton.

Taken on the Refuge 

Honorable mention: Ron Hamberg of Carbondale.

Third place: Bill Thomas of Carterville.

Second place: Jon Montgomery of Du Quoin.

First place: Ron Clark of Marion.

Floral/Tree/Plant/Fungi 

Honorable mention: Joanne Evans of Murphysboro.

Third place: Joanne Evans of Murphysboro.

Second place: Melodie Penrod of Carterville.

First place: Carolyn Powers of Marion.

Scenic/Landscape

Honorable mention: Erin Campbell of Marion.

Third place: Joanne Evans of Murphysboro.

Second place: Erin Campbell of Marion.

First place: Robert Erxeben of Salem.

Wildlife 

Honorable mention: LaRita Nance of Simpson.

Third place: LaRita Nance of Simpson.

Second place: LaRita Nance of Simpson.

First place: LaRita Nance of Simpson.

This year’s contest was sponsored by the Friends of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. 

Winning photographs will be on display at the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge visitors center until the end of November.