Picture this!

Attention shutterbugs. Have photos of our beautiful surroundings? How would you like to see one of them included in an upcoming educational calendar?

Chico resident and businessman Andy Willhoit is coordinating a project aimed at educating the local public on waterway preservation. He’s looking for pictures of Big Chico Creek, Little Chico Creek, Lindo Channel, and Sycamore, Mud and Comanche creeks, along with other waterways located within Chico’s urban area. They should display the beauty of the natural environment (meaning no people should be in them). Close-ups of insects, plants and animals that live in those locations will also be considered.

The photographs will accompany tips and other resources showing residents how to do their part to keep pollutants out of gutters and storm-drain systems that lead to waterways. Partners of the city’s Urban Stream Alliance, including Butte Environmental Council, Big Chico Creek Watershed Alliance and Chico Public Works, are collaborating on the project.

Send up to three of your best high-resolution photos to chicocreeks@gmail.com, but do it fast. This is a 2008 calendar, so the submission deadline is only a week away (Dec. 13). Contributing photographers will receive a photo credit. Good luck!