In June 2013, the first Upper Delaware BioBlitz took place in Northern Wayne County, PA, during which teams of scientists and volunteers documented 1,024 distinct species of plants, animals and insects during a 24-hour period (learn more at upperdelawarebioblitz.com).

The effort provides a snapshot of the biodiversity of life on the Starlight, PA property, and has since led to the first “Photos of Nature in the Upper Delaware Watershed” contest.

Shutterbugs now have the opportunity to “showcase the beauty of the Upper Delaware River Valley” throughout its seasonal expressions. The contest is underway and will close on May 1, 2014, with awards announced at the 2014 Upper Delaware BioBlitz.

I have been asked to serve as a judge, along with award-winning photographers Roy Morsch and David B. Soete. We will select one photo overall for the grand prize, a Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 HS digital camera (or equivalent).

In addition, we will choose winning photos in five additional categories: animals, plants, people, art and landscape.

The contest will be conducted via Facebook. To enter, “like” the following page (www.facebook.com/bioblitzphotosofnature) and post your photos on the Photos of Nature timeline. Once on the page, scroll down to view additional contest details. There is no limit to the number of photos you may enter, so show us your best shots of this exceptionally beautiful region.