Photographer Ryland Wilburn will be recognized in the youth category. Photo courtesy of the City of Citrus Heights

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - At the Wednesday, July 8 meeting of the Citrus Heights City Council, it will be time for some special trees within the city of Citrus Heights to take a well-deserved “bow.”

Four photographers, winners of “Postcards from Citrus Heights,” a special community photo contest which opened in April will each be recognized by the council for their compelling individual images of trees taken throughout the city in three different categories: youth, community and professional.

Each of the winners were notified of their selection by the city on Monday, June 8.

Photographer Ryland Wilburn will be recognized in the youth category (ages 17 and under) for a spectacular sunset image.

Diane Miller, a professional photographer, was recognized in her category for two seasonally stunning entries. Photo courtesy of the City of Citrus Heights

William Evans and Karsen Kehlet were tied in the community member category, in the non-professional, or hobbyist category. In his winning entry, Kehlet captures the full bloom of an exceptional tree against the night sky.

Diane Miller, a professional photographer, was recognized in her category for two stunning panoramic seasonal scenes.

While there were many different trees in the city vying for their close-up in this specially themed photo contest, these winning entries captivated the eye and imagination of each winning photographer who seemed to wait for just the right moment to fully reveal their special beauty.

The contest opened on April 22, with photo submissions accepted through May 13 and voting through May 29.

In his winning entry, by photographer William Evans, his photo captures the side view of a familiar heritage oak tree along Sunrise Boulevard leading into the main entrance to Sunrise Mall. Photo courtesy of the City of Citrus Heights

Contest entrants were encouraged to capture compelling images of trees throughout the city, whether they held personal meaning for the photographer, showcased natural beauty, or generally reflected city’s landscape, said Marisa Brown, city communications officer.

In his winning entry, by photographer William Evans, his photo captures the side view of a familiar heritage oak tree along Sunrise Boulevard leading into the main entrance to Sunrise Mall.

The formal brick plaza at the mall entrance which is featured in the photograph readily reveals its location. The tree which Evans photographed is at least 50 years old and can be seen in several aerial photographs taken of the mall in the early 1970s when it opened.

“A living symbol of strength and heritage surrounded by a formal brick plaza. The tree offers a sanctuary for quiet contemplation and reflection against a vibrant new destination. The tree bridges the natural history of Citrus Heights with its modern future,” Evans wrote in his contest entry.

Each of the winning entries can be seen at: www.citrusheights.net/1473/Postcards-from-Citrus-Heights-A-Community