Do you enjoy taking pictures? While this is not the season when we usually look for spiders and centipedes, the MDC (Missouri Department of Conservation) is seeking photographs of them. They are hosting their own arthropod photo contest. But hurry! The deadline for entering is January 15, 2026.
What Is This?
The MDC is hosting an arthropod photo contest. Arthropods are animals with exoskeletons, including spiders, insects, millipedes, crayfish, scorpions, and more. While we have had a warmer winter, one may need to look back at the older photos in your album to find what you want.
All entries must have been taken in Missouri. No pets or zoo animals allowed.
Age Groups
There are two age competitions: youth (under age 15) and Mature (ages 16 and over). Each person may enter up to two times. Entrants will submit the name of the photograph, age category (Youth or Mature), and a contact phone number upon submission. There will be three prizes for each age group.
Deadline
The photo needs to be in the conservationist’s hands by 5:00 pm on January 15, 2026. No exceptions.
Submissions
Participants need to submit printed photos in person at the nature center or submit photos electronically via email before the Jan. 15 submission deadline.
For in-person submissions:
- Provide a physical print of each photo, caption, and photographer information at the front desk of Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center.
- Photos must be at least 2550 x 3300 pixels
- Be printed on size 8.5”x11” paper (any variety)
For electronic submissions:
- Send photo, caption, and photographer information to lisa.richter@mdc.mo.gov.
- Photos must be at least 2550 x 3300 pixels.
- JPEG format only, Compression level 80-100%, with a maximum file size limit of 8 MB per photo.
- Electronic submissions will be printed at the nature center on 8.5” x 11” thick paper for judging.
Judging
Regardless of whether you submitted your own photos, join us to view and vote on your favorites in person at Burr Oak Woods from Jan. 16-31. The top three photos with the most votes will receive prizes.
Additional Information
The Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center is located at 1401 NW Park Rd. in Blue Springs. For questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Lisa at her email lisa.richter@mdc.mo.gov.
