The Nature Conservancy is one of the leading conservation organizations working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.

They are looking for striking digital images to celebrate people and nature - and their important connection to each other.

Your images should highlight the

diversity of life on Earth

, including portraits of wildlife in natural habitat, animal behavior, the relationship between people and nature, plant life, weather, and seasons.

They are especially interested in images that showcase the wide range of habitats across our planet, including:

•

Forests

•

Grasslands

•

Freshwater

- lakes and rivers

•

Deserts and arid lands

•

Marine

– coral reefs, oceans and coasts

Please do not include photographs of pets or domestic animals. Images of captive animals photographed in zoos and commercial game farms are also prohibited, however photos from state and national wildlife preserves are allowed.

All photographs should accurately reflect the subject matter and the scene as it appeared. Photos that have been digitally altered beyond standard optimization (removal of dust, cropping, reasonable adjustments to exposure, color and contrast, etc.) will be disqualified. Multiple exposures that have been combined to produce a single "

High Dynamic Range

" image are acceptable.

To ensure eligibility for the contest all entries must have a resolution of 6 million pixels or greater (6 megapixels) to be made available upon request.

You will retain all rights to any photograph you submit, including ownership if applicable.

There is no entry fee.