George Masa Foundation 2026 Youth Conservation Photography Prize Exhibition May 1 – June 30, 2026 Education Center – Arbor Eatery Presented by the George Masa Foundation, this exhibition features the 30 winners of the 2026 Youth Conservation Photography Prize, selected from two age groups, 11 to 14 and 15 to 18. The program invites young people from across the country to explore and express their connection to the natural world through photography. Inspired by the legacy of George Masa, whose images helped protect the Southern Appalachians, these photographs reflect careful observation, creative vision, and a growing awareness of the landscapes, waters, and wildlife that shape our lives. We are grateful to the North Carolina Arboretum for graciously hosting and displaying this work, and to our judges, Grace Clark and Travis Bordley, for their thoughtful review and support of these young photographers. Our mission is to inspire young people to be like George Masa; paying attention, telling meaningful stories, and creatively facing the environmental challenges of their generation. Learn more at: https://georgemasafoundation.org
Located in the inspirational Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum cultivates connections between people, plants and places. 🌱
