Spider close-up is among spectacular photos in Valley, Sierra contest. See more winners

John Holland
·1 min read

Images of a spider, a fungus, a wildflower and two birds topped the latest photo contest at the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center.

The group, based in Twain Harte, had categories for adults and youths for both wildlife and landscapes. The winners were announced Wednesday, May 17.

The photos could be from the Sierra Nevada or neighboring Central Valley. CSERC often uses them in its education and advocacy.

The winners:

  • Erik Long of Sonora in the adult wildlife category for his close-up of a species named the jumping spider.

  • Richard Brown of Turlock in the adult landscape category for a wildflower called phacelia.

  • Harris Schoedl of Sonora in the youth wildlife category for a shot of cedar waxwings.

  • Scout Cross of Sonora in the youth landscape category for a photo of a large fungus on a log.

CSERC had more than 500 entries for the 2023 contest. The top 40 are on its website, www.cserc.org.

Blooming phacelia, taken by Richard Brown of Turlock, placed first in the adult landscape category in a 2023 contest sponsored by the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center.
Blooming phacelia, taken by Richard Brown of Turlock, placed first in the adult landscape category in a 2023 contest sponsored by the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center.
This photo of fungi on a log, taken by Scout Cross of Sonora, placed first in the youth landscape category in a 2023 contest sponsored by the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center.
This photo of fungi on a log, taken by Scout Cross of Sonora, placed first in the youth landscape category in a 2023 contest sponsored by the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center.
Cedar waxwings, taken by Harris Schoedl of Sonora, placed first in the youth wildlife category in a 2023 contest sponsored by the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center.
Cedar waxwings, taken by Harris Schoedl of Sonora, placed first in the youth wildlife category in a 2023 contest sponsored by the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center.
Jumping spider, taken by Erik Long of Sonora, placed first in the adult wildlife category in a 2023 contest sponsored by the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center.
Jumping spider, taken by Erik Long of Sonora, placed first in the adult wildlife category in a 2023 contest sponsored by the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center.