Placer County resident among winners of California State Parks photo contest

California State Parks Foundation on Oct. 14 announced the winners of the organization's photo contest. The second annual California State Parks Foundation Photo Contest invited park visitors and photography enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels to capture the natural beauty, recreational activities and unique landscapes of California's state parks. Over 1,041 images were submitted to the contest. "We're thrilled to share this year's winning photos for the 2026 California State Parks Foundation Photo Contest," said Rachel Norton, executive director of California State Parks Foundation. "After receiving over a thousand submissions, it's clear how much Californians love state parks. We thank everyone who participated and shared their appreciation for the beaches, mountains, rivers and outdoor spaces that make our state so special." The contest included five categories: Scenic Landscapes, Wildlife & Nature, Recreation & Activities, People in Parks and California History. The winners of the 2026 photo contest are: Scenic Landscapes: Peter Scifres from Ventura County, photo of Red Rock Canyon State Park (Kern County). Wildlife & Nature: Kevin Shi from San Diego County, photo of Tijuana Estuary Natural Preserve Point of Interest (San Diego County). Recreation & Activities: Paula Schultz from Butte County, photo of Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (Butte County). People in Parks: Bill Krause from Kern County, photo of Cayucos State Beach (San Luis Obispo County). California History: Alex Bylsma from Placer County, photo of Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park (Nevada County). "All historical objects like this always catch my eye. You can visibly see the thought and engineering that went into making this old typewriter. I've always been drawn to ordinary objects that offer a glimpse into the past. I find it fascinating how something as simple as an old typewriter can tell a story about the people who once used it and the era in which they lived," Bylsma said of his photo. Submissions to the California State Parks Foundation Photo Contest were judged on creativity and originality, technical quality, relevance to the category, emotional impact, storytelling and aesthetic appeal. Category winners will receive a complimentary California State Parks Foundation membership that includes a California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass ($195 value). Category winners will also be featured in and receive a copy of California State Parks Foundation's 2028 calendar. Honorable mentions will be showcased in an online gallery and on social media.