2026 Dig the Dunes Calendar Winners announced!

Every year, since 2017, Dig the Dunes has held a calendar contest. This year is no different. We collected hundreds of entries and went through three rounds of judging to pick our top photo for each month. We are excited to announce the winners for 2026. Calendars are now available for pre-order, and you can get the early bird price until November 15.

Cover - Peggy Carter

Peggy got serious about her photography only about 15 years ago. But since that time she has been an active member of the Duneland Photography Club. She has exhibited her work in local and out-of-state galleries and won awards, such as the Best of Show at the Southern Shore Art Association. Peggy has had a couple of winning photos for the Indiana Department of Agriculture that were displayed in the Lt. Governor’s office. She has had photos published in Lake Superior Magazine and other publications, including several in the Dig the Dunes Calendar. She grew up in Gary, and has lived in Portage and Chesterton. Since she enjoys nature and landscape photography, living near the Indiana Dunes always gives her great subject matter.

January - Michael Seefeldt

Michael lives in Valparaiso and enjoys hiking and volunteering at both the Indiana Dunes State Park and the Indiana Dunes National Park. He spends most weekends on the trails, exploring the parks through all seasons and appreciating their ever-changing beauty.

February - Michael Ahlrichs

As a fine art photographer from Westfield, Indiana, Michael is drawn to the quiet poetry of the natural world. His work seeks to capture the moments when light and landscape meet in harmony—the fleeting glow, the calm reflection, the breath between waves. The Indiana Dunes hold a special place in his heart; their shifting sands, whispering grasses, and endless lake horizons remind him that beauty is always in motion. Through his images, he hopes to share that sense of wonder and stillness with others.

March -  Michael Kobe

Michael is a lifelong resident of Munster, Indiana. For more than 83 years, he has cherished the natural beauty of the Indiana Dunes, recalling childhood adventures spent hiking, swimming, and exploring the area’s once-pristine landscapes. A retired science teacher with 44 years of experience, Michael discovered a passion for photography after retiring 18 years ago. His work focuses on the rich biodiversity of the dunes—capturing wildflowers, insects, and birds through the changing seasons. Each visit inspires him to explore and share the ever-evolving wonders of this remarkable environment.

April - Don Ashley

Don lives in Bridgman, Michigan. Born and raised “on the farm”, he has always enjoyed nature. Post-retirement has given him the opportunity to get out more and explore. For him, hiking is a great way to unwind, burn a few calories, and discover something new along the way. It only made sense to start bringing a camera to share the beauty of nature he finds with others. The dunes are nature’s art—always changing.

May - Shane Griffin

Shane was born and raised in Chesterton and works as an interpretive park ranger at Indiana Dunes National Park, focusing on education and outreach. Despite working there, he spends much of his free time exploring and enjoying the park, capturing photos of interesting sights with his iPhone—though he jokes that one day he’ll get a real camera. He feels grateful for the incredible treasure right in the community’s backyard.

June - Sharlene Livesay

Sharlene is a Missouri farm girl and amateur photographer who has lived in Michigan City for the past 26 years. She and her spouse love taking their Chiweenie, Peanut, out for hikes in the National Park. Having grown up surrounded by flat fields, Sharlene finds Lake Michigan and the surrounding dunes to be breathtaking.

July - Michelle Wolsiefer

Michelle studied photography at Purdue University and has lived in or near Michigan City all her life. She walks the beach almost every morning to catch the sunrise and, when the clouds cooperate, heads out for storms and sunsets as well. The dunes can look different every day depending on the weather—and sometimes, the moment just can’t be missed.

August - Julie Greenberg

Julie was born and raised in “The Region” and feels incredibly lucky to live so close to Lake Michigan. Photography is a “side joy” for her, as she finds immense satisfaction in visualizing the rhythm and harmony of a moment and trying to capture it—especially in nature. Deeply connected to the beloved dunes, she turns to them often for inspiration and self-care.

September - Chad Howell

Chad grew up in Wanatah, Indiana, where his lifelong love of the outdoors and the Indiana Dunes began. His landscape photography celebrates the rugged beauty of the dunes and the surrounding region, capturing the same serenity and wonder he’s felt since childhood. He still finds joy in spending time in the dunes with his wife, Noelle—often out on a Sunday morning hike.

October - Lori Anderson

Lori lives in Hebron and spends most of her free time exploring the Indiana Dunes. She is fascinated by the intensity of Lake Michigan and the things it has taken away. Although she doesn’t consider herself a professional photographer, Lori feels fortunate to have such an incredibly beautiful subjects so close to home. She loves the Dunes because they feel almost magical—she never knows what she’s going to see, and it’s always something different. Lori hopes the Dunes will continue to be respected and preserved forever.

November - Terry Fairchild

Terry has lived in the area for over 30 years. The dunes—both State and National Parks—offer such diverse ecosystems that there are always interesting subjects to photograph. As a nature photographer, Terry focuses on landscapes, nightscapes, wildlife, and plants, aiming to help others see what he sees.

December - Hank Erdmann

Hank is a photographer, educator, and writer from Will County, Illinois, with a focus on the Midwest and Great Lakes region. His work reflects a love of history and nature, capturing ports, shorelines, islands, forests, prairies, and other natural areas around Lakes Michigan and Superior. Hank has been photographing the dunes since high school, finding them a continual source of artistic and emotional inspiration. He serves as Vice President on the Board of the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) and has numerous publications, exhibitions, and educational credits.

Calendars are now available! 10% of each calendar will go to Save the Dunes. Purchase your calendar today. (available for shipping and local pick-up)