Contest

Naturescapes Photography Contest is celebrating its 22nd year! The unique beauty of the natural areas within San Marcos inspired the first Naturescapes Photography Contest. The contest includes photographs taken in greenspaces and natural areas throughout Hays, Blanco, Comal, Guadalupe, Caldwell, and Travis Counties. Contest sponsors are the Hill Country Photography Club and the Hays County Master Naturalist program. Goals of the contest and exhibit include increasing public awareness of the importance of protecting our natural world and giving photographers at all levels of experience a chance to capture, share, and receive recognition for beautiful and inspiring images. Suggested subjects include natural scenery, wildlife, plants, and people and pets in the natural environment. Accepting entries through June 22, 2026. Prizes $150 for Best in Show $100 for Best Natural Waterscape, sponsored by the Hays County Master Naturalists. The photo must feature a natural water feature such as a creek, river, pond or lake. $75 for Best Youth $75 each for 4 Awards of Excellence $25 each for 4 Awards of Merit $100 for the Best San Marcos Natural Area, sponsored by the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance. The photo must be taken within one of San Marcos’ six natural areas: Purgatory Creek Natural Area, Spring Lake Natural Area, Ringtail Ridge Natural Area, Schulle Canyon Natural Area, Blanco Shoals Natural Area, and Sessom Creek Park. You can find out more about them, including their locations, at https://smgreenbelt.org/natural-areas/. To be eligible for this prize, a photo must first be selected for the Naturescapes exhibition. $50 each for the Best Adult and the Best Youth Native Wildflower, sponsored by The Hill Country Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas. To be eligible for this prize, a photo must first be selected for the Naturescapes exhibition. The contest is open to resident and visiting photographers of all ages. Naturescapes Exhibition San Marcos Activity Center Walkers’ Gallery from August 31st – October 23rd, 2026 Naturescapes Awards Reception San Marcos Activity Center on Saturday, September 26th, 2026 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm