May Challenge: Wildflowers

WINNER

Spring Forest Friends
by Heather Kaniecki

“A mayapple and a trillium soaking up the morning sun. Two of my favorite spring wildflowers. Inspired by a photo I took at Oakwoods Metropark, done in colored pencils.”

YOUTH WINNER

The Delicate White Cup Found Deep in Nature
by Nora Ferri

“I used oil pastel on a black paper to draw a flower. I love Metroparks because they offer interesting programs on nature. I love seeing animals, birds, and plants that you don’t always find in your backyard. Metroparks are great places to find exciting and new things!”

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Wild Geranium
by Ishamael Hewitt

Wildflowers of the Mind
by Jahannie Torres-Rodriguez

Queen Anne’s Lace
by Marla Schalow

Jack-in-the-pulpit
by Lisa Langley

BACK TO SUBMISSIONS

Thank you to everyone who participated in this month’s challenge! We received many wonderful submissions.

JUDGES

Jill Martin (Guest Judge)

(Q) How long have you worked at the Metroparks?
I’ve worked at the Metroparks since October 2004, so I’ve worked here over 21 years.

(Q) What is your role at the Metroparks?
(A) I’m the Western District Interpretive Services Supervisor. I oversee the interpretive program at Kensington Nature Center, Hudson Mills Activity Center and Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center.

(Q) What do you love most about the Metroparks?
(A) I love the opportunity to connect visitors with the diverse natural communities our parks have to offer, and to see the positive impacts that can have on their lives.

Julie McLaughlin (Guest Judge)

(Q) How long have you worked at the Metroparks?
(A) It will be two years next month!
(Q) What is your role at the Metroparks? I am the Natural Resources Coordinator.
(A) I help with land stewardship, project management, data collection, and various annual programs.
(Q) What do you love most about the Metroparks?
(A) I love the hidden gems that are not too far off the beaten path. The Metroparks have protected globally rare habitats which provide a home for threatened and endangered plants and animals. (Real answer is half off ice cream at Stony lol)

Sherri' Mealy (Lead Judge)

(Q) How long have you worked at the Metroparks?
(A) I have been working at the Metroparks for 7 years.

(Q) What is your role at the Metroparks?
(A) I’m a graphic designer who works on a variety of creative marketing projects. Beyond ads and signage, I especially enjoy designing for our Pop-up Shop, creating stickers, and developing visuals for events and promotions.

(Q) What do you love most about the Metroparks?
(A) What I love most about the Metroparks is being surrounded by nature and knowing the work we do helps protect it. It’s rewarding to play even a small part in keeping these spaces open and welcoming, while also having the chance to bring creativity into the mix.