The Friends of the Heinz Refuge (FOHR) Photo Group held its annual photo contest and recognized the winners during the refuge's "Cradle of Birding" Wildlife and Conservation Festival on September 15, 2007.  Photo Group founder and Communications and A/V Specialist staffer at the refuge, Bill Buchanan, presided over the ceremony.  Acting Refuge Manager, Dr. Gary Stolz, welcomed those in attendance and recognized the work the photo group does including documentation of refuge events for education, interpretation, and public affairs uses as well as the "Learning About the Environment Through the Lens" program for area high school students and their Heinz Refuge Traveling Exhibit.  Stolz said, "The Photo Group contributes a great deal in showcasing the refuge to the public as well as introducing many individuals to both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Wildlife Refuge System.  The photo contest brings in many individuals and families and provides a direct link connecting people to the natural world."  He added, "Photography is one of the refuge system's 'Big Six' activities for visitors and the Heinz Refuge Photo Group has done an absolutely terrific job in bringing that to the forefront."

Dr. Stolz and Bill Buchanan then proceeded to present ribbons, checks, and gift certificates for the "Tinicum Treasures" gift shop which is operated by FOHR. This year's winners are:

Adult Category: 1^st Place: Rosemary Causbrook of Allentown, PA. with "Elegant Egret"; 2^nd Place: Harris Brown of Jamison, Bucks County, PA. with "Touchdown"; 3^rd Place: Kevin Bennett of the Manyunk section of Philadelphia, with "Sushi".

Teen Category: 1^st Place: Benjamin Stack of Broomall, PA. with "Galactic Horizon"; 2^nd Place: Lydia Ball of Havertown with "The Climbing Tree"; 3^rd Place: Joseph Ferrarelli of Aston, PA. with "Taking Flight".

Children's Category: 1^st Place: Jessica Ferrarelli of Aston, PA. with "Butterscotch; 2^nd Place: Mandy McGarrigle of Swarthmore, PA. with "Show Me the Way to the Bay"; 3^rd Place: Megan McGarrigle of Swarthmore, PA. with "I'll Give You a Show".

The "Bill Buchanan Award of Excellence" was presented to the 1st place winner in the adult category, Rosemary Causbrook, for her "Elegant Egret".  The award was named by the Photo Group several years ago in recognition of Bill Buchanan as founder of the Group and his involvement in its development over the years.

Buchanan noted that selecting winners is always difficult and this year was no exception.  He said, "There are so many great images that are submitted it can be a daunting task in choosing who will take home ribbons.  I salute all of you who entered and encourage you to keep up the wonderful imaging you do and have shared with us today."