Starting today (Wednesday, Dec. 2), the  Flyway Gallery in DeKorte Park's Environment Center will display the winning photographs and other top entries from the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission’s 2009 Amateur Photo Contest, “The Meadowlands: 40 Years of Progress.”

   The exhibition will run through Sunday, Jan. 3.

    A stunning photo of an immature Yellow-Crowned Night Heron captured first prize in  the NJMC announced today.

   The winning photo, Kearny resident Ronald Shields’ photo, “Out on a Limb" (above), and nearly 20 other images will be on display.

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     Laura Frazer of Montclair took second prize for “Reflections" (left), a beautiful photo of the gazebo and walkway reflected in a tidal impoundment at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst.

   Ernie Fragetta of Lyndhurst won third prize for “Beautiful Lyndhurst Meadowlands" (below), which captures a majestic great egret flying across the marshes. The three winners will receive prizes of $300, $150 and $75.  

    A committee of NJMC judges selected the winning photos as best representing the beauty and progress of the Meadowlands over the past four decades. 

   The contest entries on display at the Flyway Gallery  capture flora, fauna, sunsets, tranquil waters and more. 

   The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 

   It is one of several free attractions at the Meadowlands Environment Center, which is located in DeKorte Park, a 110-acre oasis with walking trails and water views, all framed by the New York City skyline.