‘Magical’ bluebell photo enchants judges for April photo contest win

Michelle Wendling of Joliet won April’s portion of the Forest Preserve District’s Preserve the Moment photo contest with a picture of Virginia bluebells carpeting the forest floor at O’Hara Woods Preserve in Romeoville.

One of the contest judges said they chose the picture because it shows “the sunlight shining through the numerous trees while illuminating and revealing the different shades of bluebells. It was an incredible shot, and it encapsulates how different colors can bring a photo together.”

Another judge said the photo beautifully captures the stunning scenes nature conjures up on a daily basis.

Wendling said she visits O'Hara Woods in Romeoville during bluebell season because the dainty spring blooms make the woods look magical, “like a fairy tale.” She snapped the winning shot on a hike before work. 

“There was a morning fog, and when the rising sun hit the fog, everything began to glow in the most heavenly light,” she said via email. “… It was just a magical moment, with that light and the bluebells. Something extra special.”

Wendling, who works as a medical biller, was excited to hear she had won and hopes others enjoy the winning shot.

"I like to share the beautiful things I see," she said. "I really try to convey my feelings about those moments in my photos.”

Honorable mentions were awarded to:

• Laurie Lasseter of Woodridge for a crystal clear photo of a Northern flicker with outstretched wings at Whalon Lake in Naperville.

• Doug Matulis of New Lenox for a photo of a coyote surveying its turf at Messenger Woods Nature Preserve in Homer Glen. 

• Joe Viola of Shorewood for a picture of two adorable squirrels poking their heads out of a hole by a Forest Preserve sign at Rock Run Rookery Preserve in Joliet.

Contest continues

The contest began in February and runs through Dec. 31.

Monthly winners will advance to the final round, where they will compete for likes on Facebook in January 2027 to determine the first-, second- and third-place winners overall.

Each monthly photo contest winner will receive a $75 gift card. Overall winners will receive MasterCard gift cards worth $500 for first place, $250 for second place and $150 for third place. At the end of the contest, three participants also will be randomly selected to receive $75 MasterCard gift cards.

The contest is made possible through the support of The Nature Foundation of Will County.

Participants are encouraged to read the rules before entering. Up to five photos can be submitted per month via the District’s contest upload page. 

All photos must be taken in a Will County forest preserve. If you are not sure which location is a forest preserve, check out the Interactive Map which shows all Forest Preserve District locations.