Community members are invited to participate in two events this month through the Brown Family Environmental Center at Kenyon: a moonrise hike and a nature photography contest in celebration of scenic Knox County.

Entries for the 18th annual contest that is part of the center’s Fall Harvest Festival can be submitted Sept. 18 through Oct. 12. Novices and people of all skill levels are welcome to enter.

At the hike Saturday, Sept. 26, participants will try to catch a view of the harvest moon rising over the Kokosing River valley, starting off on the moderate 1.5-mile route at 7:30 p.m. from the center at 9781 Laymon Road. The harvest moon is the full moon that falls closest to the autumn equinox. Gather around a bonfire for s’mores after the hike.

In past years, the photo contest has received as many as 150 submissions from 60 people.

“I love that the event is a collective appreciation of our natural world, and we have a lot to be proud of in Knox County,” environmental center Director Heather Doherty said. “People are sharing what they find beautiful, or unique, or sometimes even haunting.”

Photographers may submit to one of three categories: adults, children (age 15 and under) and students. Guests of the Fall Harvest Festival, which runs from 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 17, pick their favorite photograph to win a “people’s choice” award. A panel of judges select first- through third-place winners, who receive cash prizes up to $50.

The festival is a free family event featuring wagon rides, live animals, farm animals and produce, a bonfire, a cider press and pumpkin decorating.

For complete photo contest guidelines, visit http://www.kenyon.edu/directories/offices-services/brown-family-environmental-center/community/photography-contest/

For more information, contact Jill Kerkhoff at 740-427-5050 or [email protected].

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Staff photo