UPDATE: Voting has closed for this competition. Thank you to all of our participants!
After receiving more than 200 submissions, City staff narrowed it down to these ten finalists in the “Leave No Trace” Spring Photo Contest. Take a look at all these images blooming with color and life, and cast your vote using the form at the bottom of the page. Voting closes Tuesday, May 27. Your vote will determine the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners of some great prizes from the City of Westminster!
- 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
Photo 1 – Ladybug
Photographer: Erin Brooks, @butteryphotos.bsky.social
Where was this photo taken?
“This photo was taken in my Westminster backyard.”
Any fun or interesting info about your experience taking this photo?
“I had fun taking this picture. The day I went out to take the picture, there were ladybugs everywhere in my backyard. This one stood out to me because of its color; it was not as bright red as the other ladybugs I saw.”
Your favorite place to experience the natural beauty of Westminster?
“One of my favorite places to experience the natural beauty of Westminster is the area around the City Park Recreation Center. I can’t wait to explore the park and take pictures when all the construction is complete!”
Photo 2 – Farmer’s Highline Canal
Photographer: Derek Chacon, www.behance.net/derekchacon
Where was this photo taken?
“This photo was taken near TeBockhorst Park (formerly Trendwood Park) and Betty Adams Elementary School, on the Farmer’s Highline Canal Trail next to the Niver Canal. The section in this photo is located in between the Westminster Sports Complex and TeBockhorst Park.”
Any fun or interesting info about your experience taking this photo?
“The area where this photo was taken is a short walk from where I grew up since the age of ten. I attended Betty Adams Elementary starting in the 5th grade, and the area holds a lot of nostalgia for me. This small section of trail next to the canal and through the back side of the surrounding neighborhoods has always held a special place in my heart for its natural beauty and peaceful serenity. I ventured to this place with the specific intention of photographing the ducks that frequent the creek (they did not disappoint), but was enamored with the astounding vibrancy of color and life in the setting. I have witnessed this scene many times in my life, and it never fails to enchant me.”
Your favorite place to experience the natural beauty of Westminster?
“Outside of this place and the sentiment it holds in my heart, I also enjoy the Mushroom Pond nestled beneath the iconic Savery Savory Mushrooms water tower. For a more extended and thorough experience, the Big Dry Creek Trail is an absolute must, and makes for a wonderful day of sight-seeing and scenery across Westminster’s gorgeous natural landscapes.”
Photo 3 – Rabbit
Photographer: Asher Allen, @asher.m6
Where was this photo taken?
“The photo was taken near Standley Lake!”
Any fun or interesting info about your experience taking this photo?
“I was just so excited to see a rabbit up close, and so happy that it allowed me the time to pull out my camera and snap a photo!”
Your favorite place to experience the natural beauty of Westminster?
“My favorite place to experience Westminster’s natural beauty is the area surrounding Standley Lake. I love the incredible view, and the nature surrounding me there!”
Photo 4 – Foggy Fenceline
Photographer: Christopher Lilly, @chrislilly_0u812
Where was this photo taken?
“The Greg Mastriona Golf Courses at Hyland Hills, just off of Sheridan Boulevard”
Any fun or interesting info about your experience taking this photo?
“Taken in the early morning hours, a perfect walk in serenity.”
Your favorite place to experience the natural beauty of Westminster?
Hyland Ponds Open Space
Photo 5 – Cooper’s Hawk
Photographer: Bruce Tohill
Where was this photo taken?
“This photo was taken from my upper deck on Stratford Lakes Drive.”
Any fun or interesting info about your experience taking this photo?
“I have seen this hawk and its mate for several weeks now, and they like to eat their dinner on this tree branch. When this photo was taken, the dinner appeared to be a small bird, as I could see feathers on the body. I used a 300mm telephoto lens and shot several images and was fortunate to get one in which the hawk looked directly at me. The light was perfect this time of day (around 6 pm) to create some interesting shadows and illuminate the hawk’s eye.”
Your favorite place to experience the natural beauty of Westminster?
“I have taken thousands of pictures over the last 20+ years in the Westminster open space between 120th and Westminster City Park along Big Dry Creek, including animals, wildflowers, bees, birds, etc. It is very convenient for me since it is only two blocks from my home. It is one of my favorite places to get out in nature and get in some exercise and take photos.”
Photo 6 – Fox on Fence
Photographer: B. Enrique Alvarado, @designbyalva
Where was this photo taken?
“My backyard fence. We live in the Sheridan Green area.”
Any fun or interesting info about your experience taking this photo?
“There are more than one fox in our neighborhood, and we’ve watched them grow up from little babies. Oftentimes we see them running across our front yard.”
Your favorite place to experience the natural beauty of Westminster?
Standley Lake
Photo 7 – Bee on Flowers
Photographer: James A. Wright
Where was this photo taken?
“I took my photo at Standley Lake Park by the camping area on the north side.”
Any fun or interesting info about your experience taking this photo?
“I was actually trying to take a photo of these great flowers. As I was working my way into an area of these flowers, I noticed that there were a lot of bees buzzing around. I became aware that I was not bothering the bees at all, and that they were making for a great photo shot.”
Your favorite place to experience the natural beauty of Westminster?
“I love the Standley Lake area. I have spent many an hour shooting any number of beautiful things there.”
Photo 8 – Great Horned Owl
Photographer: Stephen Stefiuk, www.facebook.com/stephen.stefiuk/
Where was this photo taken?
“Little Dry Creek Trail”
Any fun or interesting info about your experience taking this photo?
“My good friend, Mary, tipped me off on a Great Horned owl’s nest at a park she frequents regularly. I heard there were three owlets in the nest and waited patiently from a distance with a 500mm lens with the no-doubt exhausted mama owl eyeing me warily from a nearby branch. It was the middle of the morning – so not an ideal time for activity from a nocturnal species. Despite this, one of the more curious owlets peaked their head out and I managed to get this shot using the harsh midday light to create a halo effect on the owlet’s soft feathers around its head.”
Your favorite place to experience the natural beauty of Westminster?
“I love going to Standley Lake for the bird walks they host a couple of times a month. Two bird experts, Mike and Jeff, lead walks through the park and talk all about the birds we spot. It’s impossible not to learn new and interesting things about the dozens of species that call the lake a permanent or seasonal home.”
Photo 9 – Butterfly
Photographer: Elizabeth Lindhorst
Where was this photo taken?
“Photo was taken at the King Adult Day Enrichment Program.”
Any fun or interesting info about your experience taking this photo?
“I took the photo during a break while helping with weeding and mulching.”
Your favorite place to experience the natural beauty of Westminster?
“My favorite place to experience the natural beauty of Westminster is at City Park, or the small area of flowers in front of the police department.”
Photo 10 – Goose Landing
Photographer: Cindy Bernard
Where was this photo taken?
“College Pond, north of Front Range Community College”
Any fun or interesting info about your experience taking this photo?
“College Pond is a very pretty, quiet and peaceful place to sit and watch the waterfowl come and go.”
Your favorite place to experience the natural beauty of Westminster?
“Big Dry Creek Trail and College Pond”
If you want to know what makes Westminster special, you don’t have to look far. A visit to one of the city’s 64 parks will help paint the picture. A walk through one of the city’s thousands of acres of open space can help open your eyes. A bike ride down one of the city’s 125 miles of trail will make it clear. Our community is special because of the close relationship with nature we experience every day in our own backyard.
Recognizing the value of this privileged Colorado lifestyle, the City of Westminster is taking the necessary steps to preserve these natural resources for future generations of Westminster residents. To solidify our dedication to this mission, the City joined the Leave No Trace program in 2023 to prioritize protecting public land and encourage widespread participation. To learn more about Leave No Trace and the seven guiding principles visit www.LNT.org.