We asked what nature means to you—and you answered.
| Last updated September 29, 2022
Victoria Falls: Three people share the beauty of the waterfalls. © Harry Randell
Something changes when we go outside. Our spirits are lifted and the stresses of everyday life shrink away. We find inspiration by observing the big things, like epic landscapes, and the small things, like the patterns of moss on a rock.
Nature gives us all a little something different. That's why we asked participants of The Nature Conservancy's previous photo contests to share reflections on just how meaningful nature is in their lives.
This is what nature means to you:
Nature is everything to me. It reminds me of who I am, it pushes me to leave the comfort zone and feel alive every second of my existence.
Natalia Kuzmina
Frozen Lake Baikal Ice on Lake Baikal in Russia. This photo was entered into The Nature Conservancy's 2018 Photo Contest. © Natalia Kuzmina
Only in nature can we find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.
Dan Snyder
La Push Beach Aerial of rock formations at La Push, WA. This photo was entered into The Nature Conservancy's 2018 Photo Contest. © Dan Snyder
South Meadow Creek Lake Colorful sunset during a warm summer night at South Meadow Creek Lake in the Tobacco Root Mountains, Montana. © Colton Stiffler
"Spending time out here helps to keep me grounded and reminds me that we have a deep connection to this earth and responsibility to protect it.
Colton Stiffler
Nature makes life magical.
Tracy Colson
Manatee Takes a Breath A manatee takes a breath at the surface in Crystal River, Florida. © Tracy Colson/TNC Photo Contest 2018
Nature matters to me because it sustains my spiritual, emotional and physical well-being. It's a place where I can feel alive.
Angela Reed
Lake in Oregon Lake in an enchanted forest near McCall, OR © Angela Reed
Nature not only gives myself & others peace of mind, a sense of balance and the wonderment of its beauty, but it sustains all of our lives as well. We need to embrace nature & protect nature's life & in doing so protecting our own
Tammy Stewart
Farm in Tennessee A donkey grazes at a farm in Townsend, TN. This photo was entered into The Nature Conservancy's 2018 Photo Contest. © Tammy Stewart
Rocky Mountain Lake Snow-covered trees with reflection of Hallet Peak during an early season snowfall in Rocky Mountain National Park. Part of The Nature Conservancy's 2018 Photo Contest. © Andrew Lockwood
Nature has always been a place of reflection for me, a place where I can slow down & process everything going on in my life. Finding an undisturbed location in nature & having it all to myself...allows my mind to focus creatively.
Andrew Lockwood
Being in the woods calms me, centers me and soothes my soul.
Cindy Christina
Forest regrowth in Oregon Forest regrowth after a fire in Sweet Home, OR. This photo was entered into The Nature Conservancy's 2018 Photo Contest. © Cindy Christina
Nature is a constant reminder of both mortality & also our resilience. Life adapts to so many contrasting environments. Life overcomes so many challenges & obstacles, evolving over the ages to become stronger, learning & growing.
Sidra Monreal
Namibia tree A tree fights to survive in the harsh desert of Sossusvlei, Namibia. This photo was entered into The Nature Conservancy's 2018 Photo Contest. © Sidra Monreal
Nature is where we find solitude, strength, beauty, healing. It must be respected and treasured.
Shelley McGibbon
Morice Lake Kayaker at Morice Lake, British Columbia, Canada, with smoke from a forest fire. This photo was entered into The Nature Conservancy's 2018 Photo Contest. © Shelley McGibbon
Announcing the 2022 Global Photo Contest Winners
The Nature Conservancy is thrilled to announce the winners by category of our 2022 Global Photo Contest.
View the 2022 Winners
More Nature Photos
Images from our 2019 photo contest showcase the unique beauty of nature in the winter, where long shadows, delicate ice and blankets of snow transform the landscape.
The Nature Conservancy believes photography can help save the world. There's a story to tell in anything and everything we want to protect. Through photography, we all have the power to tell it.
2021 Global Photo Contest Winners
View the winners of The Nature Conservancy's 2021 Global Photo Contest!