The judges had a challenge choosing the best of the entries in the 12th Annual Mingo Swamp Friends Flora and Fauna Photo Contest. Photos in four categories highlight native wildlife, native plants, people in nature and Mingo landscapes.
Photos were entered by youth and adults from Cape Girardeau, Poplar Bluff, Sikeston, Jackson, Dexter, East Prairie, Benton, Essex and Harviell. Some of the youth entries rival those of the adults. The exhibit is a must see for all who appreciate our native wildlife and natural beauty.
These are the adult winners: Best of Show - "Fall at Fry Bluff Overlook" by Patty Bitterman, Advance, Mo.; First Place Mingo Landscape - "Glowing Swamp" by Daniel Zarlenga; First Place People in Nature - "Fry Bluff Overlook" by Daniel Zarlenga, Black Jack, Mo.; First Place Native Wildlife - "Blue Heron Landing" by Clay Guthrie, East Prairie, Mo.; First Place Native Plants - "That Special Glow" by Patty Bitterman, Advance.
These are the youth winners: Best of Show - "Prothonotary Warbler" by Cody Jones, Advance, Mo.; First Place Mingo Landscape - "Shades of Green" by Brianna Thomas, Benton, Mo.; First Place Native Wildlife - A Prince in Waiting" by Cameron Mullin, Essex, Mo.; First Place Native Plants - "Untitled" by Sara Tolliver, Harviell.
Thanks to generous support from four sponsors: Commerce Bank, First Midwest Bank, the Bank of Missouri, Sterling Bank and Matt Funke, premiums totaling $410 were paid for placing first through third, and best of show in both adult and youth divisions. The entry fees paid by entrants will cover the costs of shipping and displaying the photos.
The photo exhibit will be on display through September in the Visitor Center at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge just north of Puxico, Mo. In the following months the photos will be displayed in Cape Girardeau, St. Louis and nearby communities.
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge is just north of Puxico, off of Missouri Highway 51. Mingo's 21,600 acres includes swamp and Ozark highlands. The refuge provides food and shelter for birds and wildlife, and especially for migratory waterfowl. Mingo is a mecca for wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, canoeing and photography.
The refuge is open every day from just before sunrise until just after sunset. The Visitor Center is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The staff at the new Visitor Center provide educational programs in addition to managing the refuge for wildlife.