SDG COUNTIES, Ontario - The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) and the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) are again hosting a nature photo contest ahead of their fourth annual World Wetlands Day event taking place Jan. 31, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cooper Marsh Conservation Area in South Glengarry.
“We invite young photographers of all abilities to step into nature with any type of camera and capture a moment or a scene to share with others during the World Wetlands Day event at Cooper Marsh,” said Melanie Alguire, MCA’s Environmental Educator. “Our past event showcased wonderful and diverse images – we are excited to see what photographs will be submitted this year.”
The contest includes three age-based categories: 8 and under, 9 to 12, and 13 to 18. Photos must be submitted between Dec. 1, 2025, and Jan. 22, 2026. MCA and RRCA will then select the top five finalists per category, and World Wetlands Day event attendees will be able to view and vote for their favourite finalist entries.
The top three winners in each age category will be announced near the end of the event at 1:30 pm. To qualify for a prize, winning photographers must be physically present during the announcement. Full contest details and submission instructions can be found at rrca.on.ca/Photo. All contest entries will be displayed at the World Wetlands Day event, whether they are chosen as finalists or not.
Visitors dropping in at the Marsh’s Visitors Centre during the free, family-friendly event can learn about Cooper Marsh and other wetlands through interactive displays and activities by local environmental organizations, enjoy free hot chocolate and refreshments by a campfire, take guided snowshoe tours around the Marsh, and have a chance to win wetland-themed prizes.
“We’re thrilled to again co-host this World Wetlands Day celebration and photo contest at Cooper Marsh with MCA,” said Vincent Pilon, RRCA Communications Specialist. “It’s a fun way to connect with our local environment and bring the community together to share knowledge about wetlands and how they help our watersheds stay healthy and resilient.”