Calling Central Nebraska Shutterbugs - 25-26 Lower Loup NRD Photo Contest Happening Now

The Lower Loup Natural Resources District (NRD) is now accepting entries for its 2025 – 2026 Photo Contest. The Lower Loup NRD held its first photo contest in 2022 as a way of inspiring photographers of every level to visit LLNRD recreation areas and to explore the diverse scenery of the district.

According to LLNRD Information and Education Coordinator Alan Bartels, the Lower Loup NRD includes some of the most diverse geography in Nebraska, stretching 156 miles from the eastern Sandhills across prairie and farmland all the way beyond Columbus. North to south, the District measures 96 miles from Rock County to Buffalo County at the widest point.

“The Lower Loup NRD is the largest of Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts,” said Bartels. “The opportunities for capturing stunning images within the district are endless.”

Most of the photos entered in the contest fit into the categories of wildlife and nature, weather phenomena, scenery, and agriculture. Of special interest this year, the NRD would enjoy receiving photos that capture the District’s farmers and ranchers and their families engaged in farming, ranching, and employing conservation practices.

2025 winner Lawrence Burman of Rockville won first place for his image of a deep blue, cloud-streaked sky reflected in the tranquil waters of a Middle Loup River slough in Sherman County. (Courtesy Image)

Prizes are awarded for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd places. A canvas print of the winning image will hang in the LLNRD lobby in Ord until the following year’s winning image replaces it. Then the print is awarded to the photographer who captured the image.

Submitted images must have been taken within the Lower Loup NRD. Photographers retain ownership of their images. By submitting, entrants grant the LLNRD potential use of images in social media, website content, other digital use, and in printed materials. LLNRD directors and employees, and their immediate families, are not eligible to win.

Entries must be electronic and need to be emailed to [email protected] by midnight on May 15, 2026. Winners will be announced in June 2026.

Questions should be directed to LLNRD Information Specialist Brant Bechtold at (308) 728-3221 or [email protected]. More information can be found on the Lower Loup NRD’s Facebook page and www.LLNRD.org.