Buffalo, NY, February 14, 2026, The Nature Photography Foundation is excited to announce that Dr. Paul Brooke and Mr. David Herasimtschuk are the 2025 Philip Hyde Grant recipients. The annual grant is awarded to individuals working on an existing project designed to improve, protect, or preserve the condition of the environment.
Dr. Brooke stated, “I am thrilled to receive the Phillip Hyde Grant to study invasive species in Florida. This will allow me to study the Burmese Python’s dire effect on the mammal population in the Everglades as well as the impact other invasives like Cuban Tree Frog, Argentine Tegu, two Chameleon species, and two monkey species have on various locations in South Florida. I would never be able to finish my book project, Lost and Invaded: International Environmental Issues, without this grant. It comes at the right time in my career to allow me the time, resources, and energy to meet with scientists and conservationists, who are combatting these threats to endemic Florida wildlife and photo document these stories.”
This grant is equally important to Mr. Herasimtschuk as he works to preserve the forests of the Pacific Northwest. He says, “Despite decades of progress in protecting public forests in the region, including the Northwest Forest Plan, recent federal policy rollbacks could dramatically expand industrial timber harvests. As a result, there is a growing need to document the awe-inspiring life and interconnectedness of these forests of the Pacific Northwest, using clear, compelling imagery that combines science and advocacy to communicate the true scale of the threats they face. The Philip Hyde Grant will play a vital role in supporting my work to document these impacts in real time, using photography to translate the science behind forest management decisions and provide scientists and conservation groups with effective tools for public engagement.”
The Nature Photography Foundation is honored to support these worthwhile projects. It is through donor financial support that the Foundation can continue its work to provide resources to advance awareness and appreciation of nature through photography. Our vision is to support education, conservation, photographic opportunities, advocacy, and ethical practices in nature photography.
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