2024 Organic Lawn Photo Contest Winners!

May 2, 2024 marks 5 years of Montgomery County’s “Healthy Lawns Act” prohibiting the use of non-organic pesticides on lawns, playgrounds, mulched recreation areas, and private childcare facilities.

To celebrate 5 years of protecting our people, pets, wildlife, and waters from the harmful effects of pesticides, we held a photo contest! While everyone is a winner in our books, here are the 10 winning images, along with Haikus written by DEP staffer Mary Travaglini.

WINNER: Wildlife/Macro

Scott Faunce, Rockville

I gaze to the sky—

Mother Nature makes her plans,

 fly lands on my nose.

WINNER: People

Alexandra Taylor, Chevy Chase 

They told us look up!

The moon and the sun collide—

son forgot his shoes.

WINNER: Pets

Caroline Taylor, Poolesville

Go fast and chase me,

adventure awaits over there!

Picture perfect day.

WINNER: Pets

Matt Jillings, Bethesda

Off to see my friend.

I will tell them my stories

of fetch it!, sticks, and squirrels.

WINNER: Wildlife

Ivi Bradley, Darnestown

Are you a playmate?

Mom said I must hunt for food

in the springtime grass.

WINNER: Macro

Florencio V. Paraon, Silver Spring

The grass is green now!

Bulbs planted in the fall air

release spring beauty.

WINNER: Lawn Sports and Games

Lindsey Shaw, Olney

Backyard water gun—

My birthday party outside,

Dad is my target.

WINNER: Lawn Flowers

Catherine Cummings, Silver Spring

Still life in my grass,

violets spring forth.

My lawn is alive!

WINNER: Pets

Kristen Ketelas, Bethesda

Dog does not care for

eclipse and totality.

Nap time in the grass.

WINNER: People

Jhunio Medina, Rockville

Long walk at sunset,

the shadows make me taller—

yet I am the same.