Maryland 2026 - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has chosen the winners of the annual Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest, with the grand prize, and first place in the spring category, going to Kyle Smith for his photo of a remarkable moment in nature – an Eastern Whip-poor-will on a branch while a squirrel sneaks up behind it.
Kyle Smith – Right Behind You
“The squirrel kept inching closer, sniffing the whole time, until it was right next to the bird,” Smith wrote in his entry to the photo contest. This year’s contest received more than 1,000 photo submissions, which were judged by a panel of DNR wildlife and photography experts.
For winning the grand prize, Smith will receive a $700 cash prize, a Maryland State Park and Trail Passport, free entry into next year’s contest, and five copies of the 2027 calendar with the winning image displayed on the cover. In addition to the overall grand prize winner, the judges selected first through third place winners in four seasonal categories—winter, spring, summer, and fall.
First place winners for the three remaining seasons (other than the grand prize winner) will receive $100, a Maryland State Park Passport, and five copies of the 2026 calendar. Second place winners for each season will receive five copies of the calendar.
Still to be determined is the Fan Favorite, which will be chosen by popular opinion on the department’s Facebook page. Followers are encouraged to “like” their pick when the photos are posted on September 16, with votes taken through close of business on October 30. The Fan Favorite wins a one-year Maryland State Park Passport and three copies of the calendar.
Every winner and the Fan Favorite will have their images published in the department’s 2026 annual calendar, which will be available for sale later in the fall.
The winners of the 2026 Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest are below; larger images of the photos can be found on this online gallery.
