The Niskayuna Tree Council held a Summer Trees Photo Contest this year. We had numerous entries showcasing the summer beauty of trees, and people interacting with trees. Winners were awarded in 2 categories: “12 and Under” and “Over 12”. Winners will be awarded Amazon gift cards.
The winners in the 12 and Under Category were Aayan and Anya Bodhanker (ages 9 and 11) with a photo titled “Sugar Maple Tree Swing”. This photo shows their father in their tree swing, enjoying the summer shade provided by their large sugar maple. This photo captures the essence of summer and the how trees can provide enjoyment and a welcome respite to summer’s heat.
In the Over 12 group, the 1st place winner was a photo titled “Sentinels” by Robbie Roessle. Robbie’s photo captures a line of linden trees on River Road, near the GE Research Center. The symmetry of the row of trees, surrounded by morning fog, truly captures their beauty; and they do look like they are sentinels keeping watch.
The runner-up in the Over 12 group is “Gardening Under Oak” by Claudia Kammer. The view looking up at the oak tree in her yard with native flowers in the foreground is truly breathtaking. The brown trunk and green leaves, contrast sharply with the bright blue sky, and magnifies the beauty of this giant tree.
We are also pleased to announce two honorable mentions. The first is “Lush Summer” by Laurel
Burns. The bright white trunks of these aspens contrast sharply with the dark background and
green foliage in the foreground, making it a very eye-catching scene.
The second honorable mention is by Frank St. Leger, and captures a nuthatch on the trunk of an oak tree. This photo, taken on an early morning walk in late August, provides a detailed close-up of a nuthatch searching for insects on the deeply-grooved bark of a large oak. It also helps remind us how trees provide food and shelter to birds and animals.
Thanks to all the entrants that submitted photos! These photos show some of the truly amazing natural beauty that we have here in town.
Stay tuned! Now that we have had photo contests that capture the beauty of our local trees in all four seasons, we plan on making a calendar to be available for the 2026 calendar year.
Here are all the photos, and descriptions, that were considered for the Tree Council’s 2025 Summer Tree Photo Contest
