Favorite Trails and Tales Contest
Nature lovers often have nature hobbies. My brother and I had an insect collection. As part of that hobby, we learned to sugar for moths. Through sugaring, we could find fun catocala and sphinx moths. They were special to us because their tree-bark-colored forewings made them hard to find when their wings were folded, yet many species have bright color on their underwings. When they came to the sugary mixture we painted on trees or placed in traps—that was special, and that was fun. Their itty bitty eyes would shine orange in the lantern light. Their probosces would unfurl, sucking in the nectar we provided.
My friend John was also an insect collector. Several times I joined him when he was “blacklighting” for insects. He would put up a backdrop framework and hang a white sheet and a blacklight. On a white sheet on the ground below, he would add a mercury vapor light. By using several different wavelengths of light, he could attract a wider range of species, as species vary in their preferences.
One time as we did this, I noticed a fat toad sitting nearby. When an insect got too close, out came his long tongue, and, lickety-split, he would have a tasty snack. I guess it was tasty—he didn’t really tell me.
And then there are birders—maybe you are a birder yourself. Perhaps you manage a bluebird trail with lots of houses.
Perhaps your interests are the wildflowers, the trees, or nature photography, or drawing nature.
Maybe you hunt for ginseng. I did that once. I found a few plants, a snake, and saw a fresh bear footprint in the mud.
Or, how about this? Maybe you are an amateur herpetologist! I say “herpetologist” so I don’t scare away the snake-haters who don’t share your love for the creatures.
Did you know there are snake rookeries? I learned that from a gentleman who loves to photograph snakes at their rookeries. Yes, I find that interesting.
I knew herons nest in rookeries, but rattlesnakes? Well, rattlesnakes don’t nest, but they do go to birthing rookeries. They give live birth, just as most other pit vipers.
Maybe you once found a nest of blacksnake eggs. Yes, you are right, many snakes do lay eggs.
So much for the snakes.
And then there is astronomy…maybe even a really bright comet this month.
There are scuba divers and the beautiful coral reefs they explore, spelunkers and caves, bikers and hikers, hunters and fishermen…the list goes on. Rock hounds? Yes, rock hounds.
This contest is for you. If you do not consider that you have a nature hobby, per se, but you did enjoy a nature activity anyway, you may participate too.
Who may participate: Everyone.
The rules: We want engaging content that will be fun to our readership. Maybe your submission is a story that keeps us spellbound. Maybe you worked your hobby into a puzzle or craft project. If so, submit that. Use your creative juices and think outside of the box. Everyone likes variety.
Photographers/artists, we hope to see your work. However, fun photos/art alone likely won’t win the big categories. Add a story, a sequence, a photo/art lesson, or something else of value to your work.
Family/friends may work together on a submission.
Awards: If a winner is not an active subscriber the month of the winning entry publication (magazines are not coming to their household), the award will be a Nature Friend subscription—term length may vary.
If Nature Friend is coming to the household, awards will be something else. A recent grand prize award was a camera lens. The author mentioned a broken lens in the story, and we chose to replace that lens as the award.
Awards will include grand prize, first, second, and third place awards, plus some honorable mentions. Awards will vary. We may divide submissions into several categories. We will see.
Submit to Trails and Tales contest, Nature Friend, 4253 Woodcock Lane, Dayton, VA 22821. Or, e-mail to: TrailsAndTalesatNatureFriendMagazinedotcom. You may also fill out the form below.
Deadline: January 31, 2025.
Tips: E-mailed photos and art should be high resolution jpeg files. If mailed (sandwich between cardboard) on a flash drive, .tif files are also okay.
Other file types that work for us are .doc, .docx, and .pdf. (Or copy/paste your story into an email.)
For mailed submissions that you would like returned, please enclose a SASE plus $2.
Please do not mix orders with contest submissions. They do not get filed at the same place. Shipping together increases the chance that either an order will be missed, or getting the contest submission included will be overlooked.
Clearly label ALL submissions—every piece. You would be surprised how many write a story and don’t put contact information on it. Please include your name, address, phone number, e-mail, subscriber number if you have one—everything/anything that can help us get in touch with questions/ship awards.
Awards will include: Grand prize, first, second, and third place awards, plus some honorable mentions. Awards will vary. We may divide submissions into several categories. We will see.
This contest has ended. Stay tuned for future contests!