By EILEEN OAKS
The Watershed Foundation Marketing and Outreach Specialist

Adorable siblings, striking sunsets and everything in between were featured in The Watershed Foundation’s annual “Picture Your Watershed” photo contest. The diverse lands, lakes and perspectives found throughout the Upper Tippecanoe River Watershed were highlighted through 101 unique pictures during the largest contest to date.

The competition offered three judging categories: Wet n’ Wildlife, Lovin’ the Lakes and Nature’s Studio, along with a special People’s Choice vote that lasted throughout the month of December.

More than 1,500 votes were cast through TWF’s Facebook page to select the top People’s Choice photo, “Giving Kisses, Sibling Love on Lake Tippy” taken by Whitney Ford, which received 231 votes. Eighty votes separated the top two photos which made for an exciting last few days of the contest.

Ray Taylor’s “Reflecting, Little Barbee Lake,” won the Nature’s Studio division. The Wet n’ Wildlife category winner was Michelle Heldt, with her “Muskie Jumping in the Morning Lake Tippecanoe.” The winner of the Lovin’ the Lakes category was Shane Hastings’ photo of “Sharing a Sunset between Friends, Ridinger Lake.”

TWF appreciates everyone who submitted their pictures and voted for their favorites. A special thanks is also extended to Bart’s Watersports for generously donating gift certificates to each of the winners. The watershed is filled with creative and passionate individuals who help support TWF’s mission of protecting and improving our lakes, land and watershed so future generations can also enjoy the natural treasures of the area.