Calling nature photographers of all ages and abilities.
To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of groups working together to clean up the Schuylkill River, the Schuylkill Action Network is holding its second annual Schuylkill Shots Photo Contest and is accepting entries through Oct. 30.
SAN is a collaboration of agencies, companies, individuals and nonprofit organizations founded to help clean up the Schuylkill River and the many waterways flowing into it.
Since 2003, it has grown to include dozens of local, private and public members, in addition to its five founders: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 3; Philadelphia Water Department; Delaware River Basin Commission; state Department of Environmental Protection; and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary.
Photographers are being asked to submit high-quality photos that show "the beauty, purity and enjoyment" that the river brings to Pennsylvanians.
According to SAN, the Schuylkill River travels 130 miles through Pottsville, Reading, Pottstown, Norristown and Philadelphia.
In 1978, it was the first river included in the state's Scenic Rivers Program and today is a source of drinking water for millions of people.
The Schuylkill River is also a critical source of fresh water for the Delaware Estuary, where salt water from the ocean mixes with fresh water from the Delaware River.
Participants in the contest may submit up to six high-resolution digital photos or two per category, using the official contest app on SAN's Facebook page.
The categories are "Wild & Scenic," "Fun on the Schuylkill" and "Tip Top Tap."
A panel of judges affiliated with SAN will select 10 finalists per category by Nov. 15.
The public will then have one month to vote for their favorites to determine the winners, while judges will also vote for their favorite photos in each category to determine the "Judges' Choice" awards.
Last year, more than 6,000 people voted on the final selection of winning photos from more than 150 submitted, the organization said.
Winning photographers will receive prizes of gift cards ranging from $100 to $250 to REI, Amazon.com or Calumet Photographic.
For more information, visit the Schuylkill Action Network Facebook page or call SAN at 800-445-4935, ext. 109.