Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) has chosen the best photographs from across the 5,500 square mile watershed submitted for the annual photography contest. Judges sorted through images that highlighted what makes the Ogeechee and Canoochee Rivers, and the surrounding areas, ecologically and aesthetically remarkable.

This year marked the most entries, from the most photographers, since the contest began in 2020. The guest judge for 2023 was Josh Yates, co-owner of Green Truck Pub and amateur photographer. He enjoys working with vintage film cameras and shooting urban scenes.

“I loved seeing the views of other photographers from around the state,” Yates said. “The range of wildlife and views we have in our area is truly amazing.”

The 2023winners are: Black and White: An Ogeechee Halloween, Kristina Strozzo Funny Wildlife: Struttin’, Don Howe Landscape: Nighttime at the Cabin, Christian Scott Plant life: Southern Crabapple, Shannon Matzke Wildlife: Cardinal, Christian Scott Portrait: Dog Paddling, Wesley Hendley Aerial: Fort McAllister Marina, William Harrell Honorable mention: Portal to the Ogeechee, Justin Gehrke All winners and entries are available to view at ogeecheeriverkeeper. org or via the Flickr album. ORK has permission from the photographers to share their work. Contact ORK for files to reprint or share in publications.

About Ogeechee Riverkeeper: Ogeechee Riverkeeper 501(c)(3) works to protect, preserve, and improve the water quality of the Ogeechee River basin, which includes all of the streams flowing out to Ossabaw Sound and St. Catherine’s Sound.

The Canoochee River is about 108 miles long and the Ogeechee River itself is approximately 245 miles long. The Ogeechee River system drains more than 5,500 square miles across 21countiesin Georgia.

Find out more at ogeecheeriverkeeper.org.