With shorter days and plunging temperatures comes unique natural splendor.
Help protect our natural world
Your gift will go where needed most around the world.
When the Northern Hemisphere is wrapped in winter’s dark shadow, nature puts on a spectacular show for anyone willing to brave the cold. The stillness of the frozen air heightens each of the senses, making the little details of a glimmering blanket of snow or a cardinal’s song even more inspiring.
Though the days are the shortest, they are still filled with natural wonder. We’re celebrating the Winter Solstice with these stunning images from our 2019 photo contest that highlight the little things that make this season so special.
Precious Hours of Daylight
The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Seeing the sun emerge after each long night brings a new sense of renewal and light.
×
Unobstructed Views
Bare trees no longer provide as much cover for elusive wildlife, making chance encounters on a morning stroll more likely.
× 
× 
Crunching along a snow covered trail, I turned a corner and we were suddenly face to face. We stared at each other for a few minutes before I slowly backed away.
×
Solitude
Stillness allows time for quiet reflection and tranquil moments of peace.
×
Sparkle and Shine
The landscape shimmers as the warm sun illuminates each tiny crystal of ice and nature’s intricate patterns.
× 
× 
Color and Contrast
A crisp, white blanket of snow is the perfect minimalist backdrop to allow nature’s colors to pop.
×
×
Time is Frozen
Frigid temperatures have the power to seemingly stop time, turning a powerful waterfall into a cascading tower of icy spires.
×
×
Glowing Nights
Long, dark nights become otherworldly in the upper most reaches of the globe. The Northern Lights dance across an inky black sky, dotted with twinkling stars.
×
Even amid winter’s dark shadows and frigid air, the beauty of our natural world shines bright.
Protect Nature’s Wonders
Your gift will help protect the little things that make each season sparkle.
Related Articles
2023 Photo Contest Winners
The Nature Conservancy is proud to announce the winners of our 2023 Photo Contest!
Winter Animal Adaptations
Animals have various strategies for survival in winter—hibernation, migration or toughing it out. But climate change could be threatening those carefully honed systems.
By Christine Peterson
Nature in Your Words and Pictures
We asked what nature means to you, and you answered.
