Water is vital to life on Earth and our city is fortunate to be nestled along the mighty Ohio River, and close to beautiful streams and wetlands. But we also face frequent flooding and pollution is a threat to many of our waterways.

Ripple Effects: Exploring Water in Louisville Photo Contest invites all K-12 students in the Louisville area to capture images of what water means to them. What is most beautiful about water in our community? What water-related problems do we need to address? How do we use, recreate in, and interact with water?

In this workshop, you will catch a glimpse of past Ripple Effects photo submissions and then head out into Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve to photograph* your own vision of water and what it means to you.

Saturday, January 17

3-5pm

The Ripple Effects Photo Contest is open to all residents in the Kentuckiana area, including counties on both sides of the Ohio River. Cash prizes for 1st ($100), 2nd ($75), 3rd ($50), and honorable mention ($25) will be awarded for the best photographs in the following age categories: kindergarten through 2nd grade; 3rd through 5th grade, middle school, and high school.

Photo submission deadline for 2026 is TBD.

*cameras will not be provided. Please bring a camera of your choosing - phone cameras are allowed.