Scarborough Land Trust (SLT), a private, non-profit, community-based organization conserving land in Scarborough for people and for wildlife, will celebrate the month of March by running a contest of its own: Marsh Madness!
This 2nd annual photo contest from SLT showcases the natural beauty and personal connections people have with the Scarborough Marsh and SLT’s nine preserves here in Scarborough. The contest invites participants—from professional/amateur photographers to smartphone photo fans—to submit their favorite and most impactful photographs along with descriptions highlighting what makes those images meaningful. A variety of awards will be given, encompassing both Judges’ Choice, as selected by a panel of photographers, and People’s Choice as determined by “voting” on Facebook.
“March might be known for basketball, but with the success of last year’s Marsh Madness Photo Contest, locally we are celebrating the natural world,” said Andrew Mackie, Executive Director of SLT. “We were blown away by the amazing entries in 2025 and expect nothing less this year. Scarborough Marsh and SLT’s nine preserves are sparkling gems in the town’s landscape.”
Anyone can join the fun by submitting photos on the Marsh Madness page of SLT’s website now through Sunday, March 15, and by rooting for their favorite photographers and photos in SLT’s upcoming contest photo album on Facebook starting March 18.
“Great Egret Takeoff” by Jason Derrick
All submissions must be original photos (not AI-generated or digital art) taken at Scarborough Marsh or at an SLT preserve at any time of the year. Each image should be submitted under one of three categories:
Wildlife Wonders: captivating shots of flora and fauna
Natural Landscape: scenic views and vistas
People in Nature: people engaging in nature and the outdoors
Information on Marsh Madness, including full contest rules and the submission form, can be found on the contest page. All entries must be made through this online form and will be accepted now through Sunday, March 15.
The gallery of submitted photos will be viewable on the contest webpage and in the contest photo album on SLT’s Facebook page beginning March 18. People’s Choice voting will take place on Facebook from March 18 through March 31, with visitors reacting to their favorite images in the contest photo album.
The People’s Choice votes will then be tallied and the photographer panel will convene to judge the submissions, with notification and announcement of award winners by April 3. Prizes will include gift certificates to popular Scarborough area businesses and the top overall photo will receive the Marsh Madness Grand Prize of $250 cash (generously underwritten by a donor).
“Gold at the End of the Rainbow” by Nancy Erb
