--- title: "College Conservation: How to Engage Students in a Native Plant Photo Contest" description: Engage students in nature appreciation with a native plant photo contest, fostering creativity and education on campus. Learn how to launch your own successful event. image: https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/hubfs/Images/Blog/Prairie%20Pics%20Photo%20Contest%20Blog.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/learn/college-conservation-how-to-engage-students-in-a-native-plant-photo-contest#main-content) [![Garden for Wildlife by National Wildlife Federation logo](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/hubfs/Branding/Logos/GFW%20Stacked%20Primary%20Logo/GFW-logo-stacked-color-1.svg)](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/) - Get Involved [**At Home**](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/get-involved/at-home) From planting a garden to spreading the word about native plants, everyone can take action. 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Learn how to launch your own successful event. [![gfw-featured-image-home-hummingbird](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/43941187/interactive-160479738010.png)](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLL3FwJF%2BLB5qEQfJj8lmN2YMUzeEPcw6Po%2FbJfyvFnNAFN%2BWov7i6ObhnCm36choqurtf51g7DbD8IE4Ve7y9on2Kot%2FhmGhsOcquH%2Bc47j%2FQ8PjwVOJKKGAZGmtyAwDdonZxwIbPk5qlxfU5cC4dlRGUfiVAjF5%2FsjXAwGtPsDJvr7u1aNlko7hjOR1K%2BWm0RKs3QipBipGkpigY3sPfdbkkp68nTagWzl2A%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=160479738010&portalId=43941187) Here at [Garden for Wildlife](https://gardenforwildlife.com/), we believe everyone has the power to make a difference for wildlife, right in their own backyard – or even on their college campus! That's why we were absolutely thrilled to team up with [Larinda Frushour](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/learn/author/larinda-frushour), a student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), for a special campaign focused on increasing nature appreciation and educating students about the vital role of [native plants](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/learn/native-plants-everything-you-need-to-know). ![Prairie Pics Yard Sign in the Rain Garden](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Blog/Prairie%20Pics%20Photo%20Contest%20Blog.jpg?width=2240&height=1260&name=Prairie%20Pics%20Photo%20Contest%20Blog.jpg) This fall, UIUC students grabbed their phones, stepped outside, and immersed themselves in the breathtaking beauty of Illinois' native flora for our **"**[Prairie Pics: Phone Photography Contest](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/learn/prairie-pics-photo-contest-winners)**."** The mission was simple yet profound: capture the essence of Illinois native plants in their autumn glory – from vibrant blooms to busy pollinators – and share these moments to inspire others. The response was incredible, showcasing not only the talent of UIUC students but also the often-overlooked natural wonders thriving right on campus. ## [![Prairie Pics Logo and Photo Submissions Collage](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Blog/UIUC%20Photo%20Contest%20Announcement%201.jpg?width=400&height=500&name=UIUC%20Photo%20Contest%20Announcement%201.jpg)](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/learn/prairie-pics-photo-contest-winners)What is Prairie Pics? A Glimpse into the Contest The Prairie Pics contest challenged students to turn their everyday smartphones into tools for discovery. We encouraged student participants to explore native plant gardens on campus, specifically the stunning [**Red Oak Rain Garden**](https://redoakraingarden.org/), and capture the natural beauty of these spaces through the lens of their smartphone’s camera. To kick things off, Larinda hosted an event on campus at the rain garden. Students joined a guided tour, learning about the prairies of Illinois, identifying native species, and gathering inspiration for their photo submissions. It was a fantastic way to connect with nature, learn something new, and get those creative juices flowing! The submission period ran for just two weeks. We kept it short and sweet to maximize engagement, knowing that the best shots would come in right after the kick-off or just before the deadline. Students uploaded their best photos, and then the real fun began: a popular vote allowed the broader UIUC community to pick their favorites, alongside a special "Garden for Wildlife Pick" from our staff. The top photographers each received a $50 Visa e-gift card featuring their winning photos! The contest was a resounding success, flooding our feeds with stunning images of sunflowers, asters, bustling bees, and graceful butterflies. The [collection of images](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/learn/prairie-pics-photo-contest-winners) illuminated the incredible biodiversity that exists when we plant native. ## Now it's Your Turn! Launch Your Own Native Plant Photo Contest Are you ready to bring the beauty of native plants to life on your own campus? Here's a playbook based on our experience to help you launch your very own phone photography contest: ### Phase 1: Pre-Promotion & Planning (1-2 Months Before Kick-Off) ### Phase 2: Kick-Off Event (Early September or Equivalent) ### Phase 3: Submissions & Voting (14-Day Window) ### Phase 4: Winner Announcement (7-10 Days After Submissions Close) ## ![A submission from the photo contest. An orange sulphur butterfly on a sunflower](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Blog/Prairie%20Pics%20Photo%20Contest%20Blog-1.jpg?width=2240&height=1260&name=Prairie%20Pics%20Photo%20Contest%20Blog-1.jpg) ## Get Inspired, Get Involved! The "Prairie Pics" contest at UIUC proved that even a basic smartphone camera can capture the profound beauty and ecological importance of native plants. It's a fun, accessible way to foster nature appreciation and make a real difference for wildlife, one photo at a time. We encourage you to take this playbook, adapt it to your own community or campus, and start your own visual journey into the incredible world of native flora. Let's continue to shine a light on the natural beauty that once blanketed our landscapes and encourage everyone to plant with purpose! **Ready to start your own native garden journey? 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