Discover Marana Launches Photo and Sticker Contest to Celebrate Ironwood Forest’s 25th Anniversary
From its towering multi-armed saguaros to its rugged mountains and rare desert wildlife, Ironwood Forest National Monument is a place like no other. Now, we’re inviting photographers and artists to capture its wild beauty in our Photo & Sticker Design Contest!
Marana, Arizona, May 16, 2025 — Home to ancient Ironwood trees, towering multi-armed saguaros, and the last of Southern Arizona’s indigenous desert bighorn sheep, Ironwood Forest National Monument is a sanctuary of rare beauty and biodiversity. In honor of the monument’s 25th anniversary, Discover Marana is inviting photographers and artists to showcase this iconic landscape through their own creative lenses.
Our Photo and Sticker Design Contest is now open to the public. This contest offers a unique opportunity for anyone to showcase their creativity while celebrating one of Southern Arizona’s most stunning Sonoran Desert landscapes.
Participants are invited to submit original photographs taken within Ironwood Forest National Monument or create sticker designs inspired by its iconic desert landscapes, wildlife, and plant life.
Winning entries will be featured in the 2025 Discover Marana Visitor Guide, with the top pick featured on the cover. Selected stickers will be displayed inside the guide as well as being printed and distributed for the community and visitors.
“This contest is a chance for the community to share their love for Ironwood Forest in a creative and meaningful way,” said Stefanie Boe, Tourism and Marketing Manager at Discover Marana. “If you’ve never been to this hidden gem near Marana, now is your chance to go and be inspired. Just be sure to do it safely as temperatures rise.”
Contest Details:
Categories: Photography and Sticker Design
Submission Deadline: June 30th, 2025
Winners announced by: July 11th, 2025
Eligibility: Open to individuals only. All entries must be original, personal work. No business or organizational submissions allowed.
For Complete Rules and How to Enter: Visit https://www.discovermarana.org/ironwood-forest-photo-and-sticker-design-contest/ to complete the entry form and upload your submission.
Prizes:
Photo Winner: Featured on the cover and inside the 2025 Discover Marana Visitor Guide
Sticker Design Winner(s): Printed stickers and a special feature in the guide
About Ironwood Forest National Monument:
Established in 2000 by President Bill Clinton, Ironwood Forest National Monument spans over 129,000 acres of rugged Sonoran Desert landscape. It is home to ancient Ironwood trees, iconic saguaros, unique wildlife, and significant cultural sites.
About Discover Marana
Discover Marana is the official destination marketing organization for the town of Marana, Arizona. Our mission is to inspire visitors to discover the natural beauty, rich history, cultural diversity and outdoor adventure that Marana has to offer. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a family-friendly vacation, a romantic escape or an active exploration, Marana has something for everyone. Our town is close to everything the region has to offer, with easy access via Interstate 10, the major freeway through Tucson.
Video footage of the Ironwood Forest: https://platform.crowdriff.com/m/s-OVZyOvM8KBzORdqu
Photos of the Ironwood Forest: https://platform.crowdriff.com/m/s-eDeLBRfuzVHIRDl0
Media Contact:
Stefanie Boe
Tourism and Marketing Manager
Discover Marana/Town of Marana
520-279-4564 (text friendly)
sboe@maranaaz.gov
or
Brandon Mejia
Tourism Marketing Specialist
520-486-1970 (text friendly)
bmejia@maranaaz.gov