The Chicago Park District’s Nature Areas Program is hosting a photography contest of nature in Chicago to illustrate the natural beauty and biological diversity that exists within the city. They are looking for photos of native plants and animals (i.e. nature, not your garden). All photos must be taken within the city of Chicago. The Park District is looking for photographs in the following categories:

• Native Flora (plants)
• Native Fauna (animals)
• Migratory Birds
• Chicago Lakefront
• People in Nature
• Photos by Youth (14-18) in the abovementioned categories

Three winners and two honorable mentions will be selected in each category.

The deadline for submissions is November 15, 2009.

For more information visit the Chicago Park District’s website

All of the photos have to be uploaded to a flickr group made for the contest.