There's still time to enter state's Green Acres Photo Contest

"It's All Yours" contest focuses on scenic beauty throughout state New Jersey - The dwindling days and weekends of summer and early autumn still offer time to explore the parks and open spaces nearest you, and what better way to celebrate your special place than by taking a photograph! Nearly every community in New Jersey has been touched by the Department of Environmental Protection's Green Acres Program. To help celebrate its 50th anniversary, the DEP announced its statewide "It's All Yours" photo contest. The deadline for the photo contest is Oct. 16. The contest is open to anyone six years of age or older. The goal is to photograph a New Jersey park or open space property that is preserved with Green Acres funds, many of which are marked with distinctive green and white Green Acres signs emblazoned with a Mercer oak tree. Some of the Green Acres properties in West Milford include Mt. Laurel, Brown's Point, Tranquility Ridge and Farrell Field. For the complete list go to www.nj.gov/dep/ga50. Participants are encouraged to enter up to three photos, one per category, in the following categories: People in Parks, Scenic, or Nature in New Jersey Close-Up. All entries must be submitted electronically by visiting www.state.nj.us/dep/ga50/50photo.htm. Entries will be separated and judged according to three age categories: youth (ages 6-12), teenagers (ages 13-17) and adults (ages 18 and older). Entries will be reviewed by a panel of independent judges who will look for composition, color, lighting, mood, creativity and impact, among other elements. Prizes and certificates will be awarded to the winners at a public ceremony. Winning photos will be displayed at various parks throughout the state. Additional photo contest details, rules, judging and submission forms are available online at www.state.nj.us/dep/ga50/50photo.htm. Help celebrate this momentous anniversary by sharing what you enjoy most about the Green Acres sites near you.