The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the winners of their yearly Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest, an annual favorite.

Christopher Michael won the grand prize for his photo of a river otter, titled “Waterways Wanderer.” There were more than 1,800 entries.

The grand prize package includes $700, a Maryland State Park and Trail Passport , free entry into next year’s contest, and five copies of the 2026 calendar with the winning image displayed on the cover.

Judges also selected first- through third-place winners in four seasonal categories: winter, spring, summer, and fall.

First-place winners for the three remaining seasons (other than the grand prize winner) will receive $100, a Maryland State Park Passport, and five copies of the 2026 calendar. Second-pla

See Full Page