The Friend’s of the 500th Photography Contest was open to all photographers, amateur or professional. The overall theme of the contest was to showcase the natural beauty of the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge and the surrounding Canaan Valley area of West Virginia. The contest ended on October 15, 2009, with judging taking place that evening.  There were 50 participants with 241 individual entries.

A reception and awards presentation was held on October 17, 2009 as part of the monthly Valley Vibes program. Food and beverages were provided by the Friends of the 500th and awards were presented by Jonathan Schafler, Refuge Manager.

The contest judges were:  Joe Henry, Local photographer; Mary Anne Honcharick, Local photographer and Jim Fregonara, West Virginia DNR

Native Wildlife

3rd Place - Winner of Jim Clark’s book, Mountain Memories, David Seals of Northfield, NJ for his photo “Morning Geese”
2nd Place  - Winner of 50.00 dollars, E. Neale Blackwood, Jr. for his photo “The Bandit in Yellow”
1st Place  - Winner of 100.00 dollars, Beth Spencer of Parsons, WV for her photo “Red Fox”

Native Plants and Flowers

3rd Place - Winner of Jim Clark’s book, Mountain Memories, Gerri Wilson for her photo “Joe-Pye at the Blackwater”
2nd Place  - Winner of 50.00 dollars, Gerri Wilson for her photo “Refuge Morning”
1st Place  - Winner of 100.00 dollars, David Seals for his photo “Colors of Autumn”

Refuge Scenery

3rd Place  - Winner of Jim Clark’s book, Mountain Memories, Adam Altdorfer for his photo “Fall”
2nd Place  - Winner of 50.00 dollars, Gerri Wilson for her photo “Blue Moon”
1st Place  - Winner of 100.00 dollars, Gerri Wilson for her photo “Autumn Bog”

Artistic

3rd Place  - Winner of Jim Clark’s book, Mountain Memories, E. Neale Blackwood, Jr. for his photo “Ice Age Alligator”
2nd Place  - Winner of 50.00 dollars, Ernie Page for his “After the Rain”
1st Place  - Winner of 100.00 dollars, Athey Lutz for his photo “As the Crow Flies”

Youth

Honorable Mention - Eli Byard for his photo “Orange Glow”; Ethan Shimbo for his photo “Unexpected Beauty”; Mackenzie Nielsen for her photo “Walking the Trails”; Cora McKean for her photo “Take Me Home”
3rd Place (Tie) - Winners of “The Ultimate Guide to Digital Nature Photography”;   Evan Neilsen for his photo “Foggy Day” and Meredith Durrenberger for her photo “Frog Pond”
2nd Place  - Winner of $25.00 and “The Ultimate Guide to Digital Nature Photography”, Cate Byard for her photo “Boardwalking”
1st Place - Winner of $50.00 and “The Ultimate Guide to Digital Nature Photography”, Joseph Clark for his photo “Storm on the Rocks”

Grand Prize Winner

Beth Spencer of Parsons, WV, for her photo “Red Fox”.  The grand prize for “Best in Show” is a private seminar in Canaan Valley with renowned photographer, Jim Clark. 

If you have questions or need further clarifications, please contact the Refuge Office at (304) 866-3858