Wilmette residents with a camera and a backyard have until Saturday, August 15 to photograph the butterflies, bees, and other pollinators living among them and enter the village's new Pollinator Photo Contest.
The Environmental and Energy Commission is asking photographers of all ages to submit one image of a pollinator spotted anywhere within Wilmette's borders. Winners in two age categories (under 18 and 18+) will each receive a gift card, and all submissions will be displayed at Village Hall and on the village website.
To enter, email one photograph along with your name and age category to [email protected] by August 15. Photos must be taken within Wilmette.
The contest arrives during a summer when the village's sustainability efforts have been unusually visible. Go Green Wilmette held its 2026 Sustainable Yard Tour on Sunday, July 19, guiding visitors through five local yards featuring native plants, rain gardens, composting areas, and butterfly gardens. The village also maintains a dedicated Pollinator Friendly Yards page encouraging residents to plant native species that provide food, shelter, and nesting materials for insects and birds.
The commission plans to announce winners and display all submitted photos after the August 15 deadline closes, according to the village's announcement.
North Shore community & culture ahead
Saturday, August 1 – Sunday, August 2 | Wilmette Art Fair | Downtown Wilmette (Wilmette & Central Avenues) — Free outdoor art fair with artist booths, live music, food, and kid-friendly art tents. No registration required.
Saturday, August 1, 7–9:30 p.m. | Sunset Over the Beach | Gillson Beach, Wilmette — The Ouilmette Foundation's adults-only (21+) fundraiser featuring DJ Karl, a beach bonfire, and a cash bar. $25 per person. Supports scholarships and restoration of the Wallace Bowl in Gillson Park. Note: Gillson Beach closes at 6 p.m. for setup.
Through Sunday, August 9 | Summer Scavenger Hunt: The Case of the Missing Fire Chief's Helmet | Wilmette History Museum, 609 Ridge Rd — Help find former Fire Chief Zibble's missing helmet in this family-friendly museum hunt. Free.
Wednesday, August 12, 7 p.m. | Evanston Symphony Orchestra Summer Pops | Gillson Park, Wilmette — The ESO's sixth annual lakeside concert features works by Morton Gould, John Williams, Florence Price, Charles Ives, and the Illinois premiere of Karen LeFrak's American Promise. Free, family-friendly. Rain date: Thursday, August 13.
