The 12th annual Mingo Swamp Friends Flora and Fauna Photo Contest is open for entries until Aug. 1.
Mingo Swamp Friends display the winning photos locally and around the state to showcase the unique natural beauty of Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, and to develop an appreciation for southeast Missouri's wonderful wildlife and plants. Youth, adults and professional photographers may enter.
Photo categories are: Mingo Landscapes, People in Nature, Native Plants and Native Wildlife. Contestants may enter one photo per category. All photos must be 8" X 10" in size, and matted to an 11"x14" outer measurement.
Support from local banks and individuals make it possible to pay premiums to the contest winners and to display the photos locally and across Missouri.
Rules and entry forms are on-line at mingoswampfriends.org and at the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center just north of Puxico off Highway 51. Phone (573) 222-3589 with questions.
The winning photos of the 2016 contest are currently on display at the Corps of Engineers Lake Wappapello Visitor Center through July 4. The photos will then be on display at the Mingo NWR Visitor Center until mid-August.