GRAND PRIZE WINNER: Jack Gilman of Yonkers for "Palisades Clouds."

Thanks to all the photographers who helped make Scenic Hudson's first-ever online digital photo competition such a huge success. Both the number of entries -- 2,500 -- and their astonishing quality are truly a testament to the Hudson Valley's power to inspire.

Grand Prize

Congratulations to Jack Gilman of Yonkers who took the amazing photograph "Palisades Clouds" from the Yonkers waterfront. Yonkers is one of the communities where Scenic Hudson is working to help shape development along the riverfront (so as not to block Palisades view and cut folks off from the river).

First Place Winners

• "Inviting Trail," by Helen Katchmer, Ulster Park (Scenic Hudson Parks)
• "Boundless Calm," by Bill Luchkiw, Cold Spring (The Hudson River)
• "Hudson River from Olana," by Barbara Stephens, Tivoli (Valley Landscapes & Communities)
• "Bald Eagle Stare," by Stephen Davis, Eldred (Wildlife)
• "Paddling Black Creek," by Joshua Clague, Kingston (People Connecting with Nature)
• "Autumn Scene," by David Miles, Hopewell Junction (Farmland)

Second Place Winners

• "Autumn Woods," by Marjorie Campbell, Downsville (Scenic Hudson Parks)
• "Winter on Piermont Pier," by Sally Savage, Piermont (The Hudson River)
• "Constitution Marsh," by Bernard Kessler, Yorktown Heights (Valley Landscapes & Communities)
• "Playing Peekaboo with a Red Spotted Newt," by Holly Miller-Pollack, Narrowsburg (Wildlife)
• "Winter Ride," by Joel Mandelbaum, Kingston (People Connecting with Nature)
• "Spring on the Farm," by Jean Larkin, New Hampton (Farmland)

Third Place Winners

• "Summer Evening at Burger Hill", by Loraine Arnold, Rhinebeck (Scenic Hudson Parks)
• "Hudson on Fire", by Marcos Gey, New York City (The Hudson River)
• "Germantown Sunset", by Tom Rupolo (Valley Landscapes & Communities)
• "Gull in Flight", by Paul Duddy, Peekskill (Wildlife)
• "Children of the Hudson", by Colin Cooke, New York City (People Connecting with Nature)
• "Stormy Orchard", by Paul Collins, Woodstock (Farmland)

Finalists

All of the images are stunning and they clearly demonstrate the importance of protecting the scenic beauty of our region for future generations to enjoy. In addition to the prize-winning images listed above, our judges selected over 100 finalists. Please take a moment to admire and enjoy their work as well. Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists!!!

Get Out and Enjoy the Valley at our Parks Festival this Saturday

One more thing -- we've got a great way for you to enjoy some of the inspiring beauty of the Hudson Valley this weekend at our Annual Parks Festival. It'll be a great day full of fun contests, games, live music and great prizes. See this page to get full details and RSVP.

Sincerely,

Lisa Lynch
Membership Manager