Thank you to all of our residents who participated in the Leave No Trace Summer Photography Contest! The contest kicked off on the first day of summer as part of the City's Leave No Trace initiative. Participants were asked to submit their best photos showcasing Westminster’s natural beauty that we aim to protect with the Leave No Trace program. Learn more about the City's commitment to Leave No Trace and protecting Westminster's natural beauty here.
Throughout the contest we received nearly 500 submissions, and more than 250 votes have been tallied. The winners of our top three prizes are... (drumroll please)
1. Sarah Lundberg - Grand Prize Winner
Photographer: Sarah Lundberg, @ssalco_
Location: Butterfly Pavilion
About This Photo: "The Butterfly Pavilion has always been one of my favorite places to visit in Westminster since I was a child. I remember going there and mustering up the strength and bravery to hold Rosie the tarantula while learning about all the different bugs and being surrounded by butterflies. So, once I started developing an interest in photography as I got older, I knew the Butterfly Pavilion would hold great pictures to be taken. Although it can be a bit difficult, practicing the art of being still and quiet with the butterflies to take their photos is so serene. I always enjoy going there to be educated on the study of entomology and reveling in its beauty."
Favorite Place to Experience Nature in Westminster: "A favorite place of mine in Westminster, along with the Butterfly Pavilion, is the Westminster Hills Dog Park. Growing up, I went to this dog park often. Some of my fondest memories are waking up early on Sunday mornings to go there with my dad and all four of the dogs I've had in my lifetime. The surrounding nature holds so much peace and I continue to revisit it to experience nature's beauty and all the sweet dogs around me."
2. Stephen Stefiuk III - Second Place
Photographer: Stephen Stefiuk III
Location: Little Dry Creek Trail
About This Photo: "I was on a nature walk with my seven-year-old son, Stephen. We had heard several people in our neighborhood talk about fox sightings but we had never seen one in dozens of walks in this same area. We spotted this guy laying down in the grass right next to the waterway and I was sure my son would scare him away with his incredibly excited reaction. Luckily, he remained put for me to snap some photos."
Favorite Place to Experience Nature in Westminster: "I love going to Standley Lake for its natural beauty. I went on my first organized bird walk on July 15 and I am really excited about going on more. The volunteers had a long-range sight that allowed us to get fantastic up-close views of the nesting bald eagles, which was the highlight of the walk."
3. Donny O'Neill - Third Place
Photographer: Donny O’Neill, @oneill_dm @throughthetrees.creative
Location: Hyland Ponds Open Space
About This Photo: "Hyland Ponds Open Space provides a perfect peek at the mountains and foothills of the northern Front Range. Every day, no matter the time of year, you can watch the sun travel across the sky before dipping below mountains in excess of 12,000 feet as a good night to all in the Metro Area. Note: The photographer was nearly eaten alive by mosquitoes to obtain this frame."
Favorite Place to Experience Nature in Westminster: "Standley Lake, Westminster Hills Open Space."
Congratulations to our winners and all our finalists in the Leave No Trace Summer Photography Contest! The prizes include:
- 1st Place GRAND PRIZE: Deluxe Glamping Package at Standley Lake, including a two-night canvas tent rental for up to 4 people, extra vehicle entry to the park, free kayak/canoe/paddleboard rentals for up to 4 people, and a gourmet S’mores and Hot Cocoa kit from M2 Confections.
+ Free round of golf with cart included for up to 4 players at either Walnut Creek Golf Preserve or Legacy Ridge Golf Course
+ One-month free pass to all Westminster recreation centers
- 2nd Place: Free round of golf with cart included for up to 4 players at either Walnut Creek Golf Preserve or Legacy Ridge Golf Course
+ One-month free pass to all Westminster recreation centers
- 3rd Place: One-month free pass to all Westminster recreation centers
Prizes can be picked up at Westminster City Hall at the information desk during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. beginning Monday, August 21. Please bring an I.D. for verification purposes. Also, be sure to follow the City of Westminster on Instagram, Facebook, and X for more beautiful photos of our community!
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