Despite a rainy Earth Day, folks from all around the North Country braved April showers to get outdoors and take photos for our first annual Encounter Earth challenge.  In total we received 33 submissions from St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Franklin, Essex, and Warren counties. Then, from Friday-Sunday, natureupnorth.org users had the chance to vote on their favorite Earth Day Encounters.  These three came out on top:

First Place: The Great Blue Heron, Janine Wright

Second Place (Tie): Standing Watch, Jason Winch

Second Place (Tie): Earth Day Tradition

Thanks to everyone who submitted photos! There is a lot to love about the North Country environment, even when it's raining. It has been said that "every day is Earth Day." We agree, and would also add that every day is Encounter Earth Day. Keep on sharing your observations of the North Country environment with us!