Route 53 ‘Fields of Vision’ Photo Contest

Wildflowers by the corridor

A coalition of environmental groups that includes the Sierra Club Illinois’ local Woods & Wetlands Group, Lake County Audubon Society, and Openlands welcomes you to join its sponsored photo contest of a greenway that once was slated to be the Route 53 Extension.  Entries must be received on or before September 30, 2021.  Prizes up to $400 will be awarded for winning photos.  

So, grab your cameras, catch some sun, and marvel at the colors of seasons in one of the Chicago region’s most beautiful natural landscapes.  The photos will help others experience the beauty and splendor of these lands, where scenic views and rare habitats provide local communities with a gateway to connect to nature and improve their health, resilience, and quality of life.

No photography experience is required, and participants can live anywhere.  The competition is restricted to amateur-level photographers only, rather than professionals. There is a $10 entrance fee for adults, and children are free – all proceeds go towards the contest.

Photos must be taken within the corridor, which is highlighted on a map here:  https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/396be23d2f0d49dcb36e3c2b2296aea3.

For those of you that aren’t lucky enough to live in or along this scenic greenway, the map shows several beautiful places open to the public.  

Once judges select the winning images, the Adler Arts Center will graciously host an exhibition from November 1st through the 19th to place them on display.  The Coalition is sponsoring a reception at the arts center on November 5.  In addition, Sierra Club, Lake County Audubon, and Openlands will share photos that place on their websites.  Prizes will be sent to winners in early December.

Click here to register then submit up to three photos to: greencorridorcoalition@gmail.com. Rules for the contest and guidelines for submissions can be found here.