congratulations to emma montgomery of the university of montana for winning planet forward’s photo of the month for october! 

emma’s photo depicts the rocky face of casa grande peak in big bend national park as it is bathed in glowing orange sunlight. the photo was selected by planet forward staff and interns for its gorgeous attention to a natural space and for its colorful connection to last month’s theme of “orange.”

in the heart of big bend national park, casa grande peak towers over the chisos basin campground. the late summer light illuminates the rock face while a sign of resilience frames the vast west texas sky. amid uncertainty in a changing environmental and political climate, the conservation of public spaces remains at the forefront of many minds. big bend national park is rugged and wild. flora and fauna that thrive are resilient through cold winter nights and scorching summer days. a level of determination is needed to see – and save – places like these. – emma montgomery

thanks to everyone who submitted this month! next month’s theme is “home“! as you start planning your trips to see family for the holidays, don’t forget to enter for your chance to win a free t-shirt!

check out some of our amazing runners-up from october!