LINCOLN, MA—Now in its sixth year, Mass Audubon's popular Picture This: Your Great Outdoors photography contest has become a "must" on the calendar of hundreds of shutterbugs from across the Commonwealth and beyond. The contest runs through September 30.

Photographers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds are encouraged to enter the contest and connect with nature while portraying the unparalleled allure of the Bay State.

The competition encourages participants to reveal the Commonwealth's natural wonders, large and small: birds and other animals in their habitats, lush forests and fields, and people enjoying the outdoors.

Last year, more than 600 photographers submitted in excess of 2,000 images that celebrate the magnificence of Massachusetts.

The contest includes two age levels: 18 and Older or Under 18.

And, in an effort to offer participants an even wider choice in subject matter, the number of submission categories has grown to seven: People in Nature, Birds, Mammals, Other Animals, Plants and Fungi, Landscapes, and new this year, Travel.

This newest category encourages people who've participated in Mass Audubon-led trips during the last five years to enter images taken on those natural history adventures.

Each entrant may submit up to five photos, which must be taken in Massachusetts, at Mass Audubon's Wildwood Camp in Rindge, NH, or on a Mass Audubon-led trip (domestic or international).

A grand prize winner will be awarded a $250 gift card, to be redeemed at a Mass Audubon shop or wildlife sanctuary. The grand prize photograph will also be featured in Connections, Mass Audubon's member newsletter.

Up to 12 winners will win $100 gift cards they can redeem at a Mass Audubon shop or a wildlife sanctuary. At least six honorable mentions will win $50 gift cards, also to be redeemed at a Mass Audubon shop or a wildlife sanctuary. Additional honorable mentions may be awarded at the discretion of the judges.

All submissions, regardless of original format, must be submitted online. Please visitwww.massaudubon.org/picturethis for submission guidelines and other contest rules and details.

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Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than 100,000 members, we care for 35,000 acres of conservation land, provide school, camp, and other educational programs for 225,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels. Founded in 1896 by two inspirational women who were committed to the protection of birds, Mass Audubon has grown to become a powerful force for conservation in New England. Today we are respected for our sound science, successful advocacy, and innovative approaches to connecting people and nature. Each year, our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries welcomes nearly half a million visitors of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds and serves as the base for our work. To support these important efforts, call 800-AUDUBON (800-283-8266) or visit www.massaudubon.org.