Each year, the contest draws hundreds of images from across the Susquehanna Greenway–a 500-mile corridor for outdoor recreation along the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. A panel of judges evaluated entries based on adherence to category themes, composition, and overall quality. This year’s contest featured four categories–Recreation, Transportation, River Towns, and Wildlife–all under the overarching theme of Storytelling. With such an impressive pool of submissions, the judges faced a challenging but rewarding task in selecting the winners.

“It was a true joy getting to be one of the judges in this year’s photo contest for the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership,” shares local photographer and contest judge, Katie Wanner. “A contest such as this is a wonderful way to view how each photographer wanted to tell their story through their lens and showcase the various regions of the Greenway. Great job to all that entered and to the finalists for their incredible storytelling.”

The Grand Prize and 1st Place in the Transportation Category went to Joe Hainey for his striking photo captured in Duncannon, PA. The image frames Peters Mountain as seen by kayak, looking through the stone arch of a railroad bridge where Shermans Creek flows into the Susquehanna Rivers. You can view Joe’s photo and all of the other winners on SGP’s website at susquehannagreenway.org/14th-annual-winners and on SGP’s Facebook page.

In addition to cash prizes, winning photographs will be printed, framed, and showcased in SGP’s Traveling Gallery, which will tour communities along the Susquehanna Greenway throughout the year.

PHOTO PROVIDED A collection of winning photos in the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership photo contest.

“The photo contest is a powerful connection point for people all along the river,” says SGP Director of Communications & Outreach, Alana Jajko. “As the Traveling Gallery makes its way from town to town, it carries with it the many sides of the Susquehanna–inviting viewers to explore its beauty, diversity, and countless resources.”

“This year’s winners hail from as far north as Luzerne County, as far south as Lancaster County, and as far west as Clearfield County–coming together to form a stunning mosaic of landscapes that truly capture the spirit of the Susquehanna Greenway.”

In addition to the category winners, 12 Honorable Mentions were selected for public voting in the People’s Choice Category. Community members cast their votes on Facebook, resulting in three additional winners who will also be featured in the Traveling Gallery. The full list of winners and the gallery’s tour schedule can be found at susquehannagreenway.org/14th-annual-winners.