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Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

(McAllen, Texas)-This summer, spark children’s creativity and have them explore nature with the camera and/or smart phone. Quinta Mazatlán and The Valley Land Fund are hosting the annual nature photography contest for kids, Southern Exposures. Photographs should have a nature or wildlife theme and must be taken in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. The contest is open to anyone ages 5 to 18 and contestants can enter up to six images online at www.valleylandfund.com by August 1, 2023.

“Observing and photographing nature is an enriching hobby that helps your child learn in nature,” states Colleen Hook, Director of Quinta Mazatlán.

The free contest offers prizes for every child that enters, including a photo feature in the Award-Winning Exhibit plus a chance to win cash prizes. One of their images will be chosen for the exhibit, to showcase their talent, at the Awards Ceremony on August 17, 2023, at Quinta Mazatlán. All youth contestants will receive a free t-shirt, goody-bag and recognition in the exhibit thanks to the generous support of The Valley Land Fund, Quinta Mazatlán-City of McAllen, H-E-B, Magic Valley Electric Cooperative, and AEP Texas.

Parents, grandparents and friends can help foster a child’s love of nature and photography by taking them outdoors this summer in the backyard, neighborhood and/or visit a nature center. “There is an amazing network of distinctly different nature and birding centers along the 120-mile historic river corridor in the Rio Grande Valley,” states Colleen Hook.

Provide kids new outings to photograph nature and help them find out the name of the plant, animal, body of water, or other to make it even more educational. For additional support, Quinta Mazatlán is offering photography classes for kids on Saturday mornings. For more information, follow Quinta Mazatlán on social media, call 956-681-3370 or visit online at www.valleylandfund.com.