Winter Wildlife Festival
Join us in January for a month-long celebration of coastal wildlife and nature featuring a flock of engaging programs to embrace our coastal beauty.
Save the Date
Registration for the 2026 Winter Wildlife Festival opens on Nov. 15. Join the Facebook group to stay up to date, or check out highlights from the 2025 festival below. The 2026 festival will take place from Jan. 24 - Feb. 1.
Event Details
2025 Winter Wildlife Photo Contest Winners
Best in Show: Corby Amos
People’s Choice: Caleb Taylor
Wildlife Action: Caroline Prevost
Wildlife Portrait: William Murray
Landscape/Scenic: Judy Jones
Festival in Action: Constance Owen
Youth: Josie K. (7 years old)
Honorable Mention Winners
Wildlife Action: Barbara Houston
Wildlife Portrait: Corby Amos
Landscape/Scenic Tim Erskine
Festival in Action: Sylvia Williams
Youth Category: Caydence C. (8 years old)
Winning photographs will be displayed from March 3 through March 28 at the Gallery at the MEO Central Library.
Mary Reid Barrow Wildlife Advocate Award
Named after Mary Reid Barrow, who devoted her entire career to engaging the public about our natural environment, the Wildlife Advocate Award was created in 2020 as a way to honor those in our community who strive to make a difference for wildlife and the environment.
Barrow's weekly columns made nature relatable to the average person and she was a gentle, but tireless, advocate for wildlife. She continues to serve the community through her involvement with environmental non-profits and campaigns.
2025 Winner: Jody Ullmann
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation has named Jody Ullmann the 2025 recipient of the Mary Reid Barrow Wildlife Advocate Award as part of the 15th annual Winter Wildlife Festival. Recognized for her dedication to educating, celebrating, and advocating for local wildlife, Ullmann has made a lasting impact across Hampton Roads through her work with institutions like the Virginia Living Museum and Lynnhaven River NOW. Her hands-on approach to environmental education has inspired future generations, fostering a deep connection between people and nature. The award was presented on January 26 to honor her contributions to wildlife advocacy and education.
Previous Award Winners
- 2025: Jody Ullmann
- 2024: Maurice Cullen
- 2023: Mark Swingle
- 2022: Reese Lukei
- 2021: Meredith Broadhurst
Special Thanks to our Sponsors
Winter Wildlife Festival
Get Your WWF Merch
