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CLEVELAND – (April 15, 2025) Birds in flight, epic landscapes, and intimate moments of nature’s wildest creatures—these are just a few of the awe-inspiring scenes captured in the 2024 51������� Photography Awards, coming to life in a free public exhibit touring libraries across Ohio this spring and summer. 
 
Presented by 51������� Great Lakes and local 51������� chapters throughout the state, the exhibit will kick off at Avon Lake Public Library on April 1, 2025, in partnership with Black River 51������� Society. The collection will then travel through Cleveland, Canton, Akron, Columbus, Parma, and Cincinatti offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness some of the most breathtaking bird photography in the world—all free of charge. 
 
The exhibit features nationally celebrated, award-winning images from the 51�������’s prestigious annual competition, showcasing the incredible artistry and timing of bird photographers across North America from professionals, amateurs and young people. From snow-covered owls to hummingbirds mid-flight, each photo tells a story of resilience, beauty, and the critical need to protect the natural habitats that birds depend on. 
 
“This exhibit is a wonderful example of how local 51������� chapters create meaningful experiences for their communities,” said Mark Demyan, President of the Council of Ohio 51������� Chapters and board member at 51������� Society of Greater Cleveland. “By sharing the joy of birds through powerful imagery, we’re helping more people feel connected to nature and inspired to protect it.” 

The 2024 contest featured stunning work that highlights the beauty of birds and the joy of capturing that through photographs and videos. Judges awarded nine prizes, including the new Birds in Landscapes Prize for the top image depicting the relationship between birds and their surroundings. Winning entries and honorable mentions were chosen from more than 2,300 entrants from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and 9 Canadian provinces and 1 territory.    

“The 51������� Photography Awards highlight the intersection of art and conservation,” said Rob Swindell, Executive Director of Black River 51������� Society. “We are thrilled to bring these remarkable images to Avon Lake, inspiring people to connect with birds and nature through the power of photography.” 

New this year, the 2025 51������� Photography Awards is expanding to include submissions from Chile and Colombia in addition to the United States and Canada. The contest’s expanded scope and set of new prizes will amplify 51�������'s unified hemispheric approach to bird conservation and highlight how birds bring people together across geographies and ecosystems 

Exhibit Tour Schedule: 

APRIL 2025 
Black River 51������� Society 
Venue: Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd, Avon Lake, OH 44012 

MAY 2025 
51������� Society of Ohio 
Venue: Cincinnati Main Library, 800 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 

JUNE 2025 
Canton 51������� Society 
Venue: Stark Co District Library, 715 Market Ave N, Canton, OH 44702 

JULY 2025 
Greater Akron 51������� Society 
Venue: Akron Public Library, 60 S High St, Akron, OH 44326 

AUGUST 2025 
51������� Society of Greater Cleveland 
Venue:  TBD 

SEPTEMBER 2025 
Western Cuyahoga 51������� Society 
Venue: Cuyahoga County Public Library, 6996 Powers Blvd, Parma, OH 44129 

OCTOBER 2025 
Columbus 51������� Society 
Venue: TBD 

You can view the 2024 51������� Photography Award Winners. To learn more about 51������� Great Lakes, please visit . 

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About 51������� Great Lakes 

The 51������� protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. 51������� works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters and partners give 51������� an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, 51������� believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. 51������� Great Lakes is a regional office of 51�������, learn more at .