Happy Earth Day, everyone – and congratulations to Jay Bowen, the winner of PARE’s 3rd annual Earth Day Photo contest!
We received thirteen great entries this year, so it was a difficult choice! Jay’s “The Plight of the Bumblebee” swept the competition with nine votes.

The “Plight” of the Bumblebee
“More than an annoying summertime buzz
More than a stinger on a tiny ball of fuzz
The Bee works all day to produce the perfect food
A sweet, delicate treat for when you’re in the mood
No need for tools, chemicals, or artificial power
To gently coast from flower to flower
A form of agriculture not to be surpassed
The Bee has perfected sustainability built to last
But the Bee’s population has started to decline
Pesticides and poor environment come to mind
So let’s stay green and give our BeeFF’s a hand
For as Einstein said “No bees, no man”
Jay will receive a gift card to Panera Bread, a company that encourages us to “Live Consciously, Eat Deliciously”. To learn about how Panera promotes sustainability and gives back to the community, click here.
Special thanks to all who entered the contest this year! Check them out here.
Photo 1: ”Taking Advantage of a Windy and Sunny day at the Beach” by David Matheson
Photo 2: “Walking on Water!” by Melodie Hebert
Photo 3: “Beauty of the World” by Joe Malo
Photo 4: “Fuel Production Plant” by Simon McGrath
Photo 5: “A Foraging Egret” by Lauren Hastings
Photo 6: “Jellyfish Awareness” by Scott Lindgren
Photo 7: “Roman Aqueduct” by Brandon Blanchard
Photo 8: “Maintaining Our Environment” by Kevin Vivieros
Photo 9: “Great Egret” by Briscoe Lang
Photo 11: “San Sebastian Spain” by Brian Mahoney
Photo 12: “Lake Winnipesaukee Sunset” by Devon Ward
Photo 13: “Mono Lake” by David Easterbrooks