Tree Conservancy of Darien, is happy to announce the winner of Best in Show in its fourth annual photography contest, “Celebration of Trees”; Danielle Granath won the top prize for her photograph “Stormy Night,” taken at Wee Burn Country Club.
“Stormy Night” by Danielle Granath, Best in Show at the Tree Conservancy of Darien’s photo contest
The photo also took first place in the Summer category. Over 120 photos were entered in the contest, which was expanded this year to include a professional category, and photos of trees beyond Darien’s borders.
Contestants were also allowed to sell their work with 30 percent going to TCD. All photo entries will be on display at the Darien Nature Center, at 120 Brookside Road, until March 25, with some entries still available for purchase.
In the student categories, Catie Morgan won Best in Show and 1st prize for a Series with Droplets. Other 1st place student winners include: Louisa Gosk in the Elementary School category, Natalie Kovalsky in the Middle School category and Finley Wetmore in the High School category.
Caitie Morgan with her “Series with Droplets,” winner of the Student Best in Show category
In the adult categories, Cailin O’Brien won in the Beyond Darien category, Beth Gosk took 1st place in a Series, Timothy O’Neill won for Winter, Diane Farrell won for Spring and Michael Klehm won in the Autumn category. Margaret Harris garnered first prize in the professional category for her photograph Tapestry.
A well-attended opening reception sponsored by Palmer’s Market, Wineport of Darien, Two Roads Brewery and Wee Burn Country Club was held on March 4 at the Darien Nature Center.
Tree Conservancy of Darien would like to express heartfelt thanks to all involved in making the event a success; Elizabeth Hearle and the staff at the Darien Nature Center, the judges Nancy McTague-Stock and Bill Taufic, the sponsors, many high school volunteers and Darien artist Elizabeth Higgins, known locally as Betsy Jones, who donated her painting, ‘Spring Landscape’ to the silent auction.
The annual photo contest allows TCD to raise awareness of the value of trees in the community and to inspire contestants of all ages to capture the beauty of trees while supporting their mission. All proceeds of the contest go directly to caring for and planting trees in Darien.
The Tree Conservancy of Darien is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the tree and forest resources of Darien for the benefit of the community, its health and its quality of life.
The organization’s goals are to educate the community about the value of trees and their care, to identify and revitalize significant (heritage) trees in town, to maintain a stewardship program for the care and maintenance of existing trees, and to build partnerships to achieve Tree Conservancy of Darien goals.
Established in 2010, TCD has planted over 300 trees in the town. For more information or to donate to Tree Conservancy of Darien, visit the organizations website or email them at info@treeconservancyofdarien.org.