NU State Museum seeks entries for wildlife and nature photo contest

The University of Nebraska State Museum is conducting its third annual Wildlife and Nature Photo Contest now through June 18.

Amateur photographers who are Nebraska residents age 18 or older are invited to submit their striking photos of wildlife and natural settings taken anywhere in the world. All entries will be showcased in the museum July 1 through Labor Day as part of a special exhibit. This contest is part of a year-long celebration of the museum's 140th anniversary.

Images may show animal behavior, plant life, natural landscapes, portraits of wildlife in a natural habitat and people interacting with nature. Images of pets, domestic animals, or captive animals photographed in zoos or game farms will not qualify for entry. All entries must be original photographs taken by the contestant.

The contest will include six categories: Mammals; Birds; Other Wildlife (includes reptiles, amphibians, insects, fish, etc.); Nature and People (people interacting with nature); Landscapes and Skyscapes; and Plant Life (native plants in natural settings; garden plants and annuals are not eligible).

Participants may submit a maximum of two entries per category. A separate entry form is required for all photographs submitted. Photography will be judged on originality, technical excellence, composition, artistic merit and overall impact. All photos must be received by no later than 4:30 p.m. on June 18.

For official rules and an entry form, visit www.museum.unl.edu.

Mail or deliver photography to: University of Nebraska State Museum, Re: Wildlife and Nature Photo Contest, 307 Morrill Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68588-0388. Contestants hand-delivering their entries will receive half-price museum admission.

Established in 1871, the University of Nebraska State Museum is celebrating its 140th anniversary with special promotions and educational events throughout the year. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday; 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays; and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $5 for adults (19 and over), $3 for children (5-18 years, 4 and under are free), and $10 for families (up to two adults and children). UNL staff, faculty and students are admitted free with valid NU ID. There is an additional charge for planetarium shows. Parking is free. For more information, contact Dana Ludvik at (402) 472-3779 or by email, or visit www.museum.unl.edu.

WRITER: Dana Ludvik