Proud proclamations of Northerner's affinity for the Northwest Territories aren't hard to find.

The word "spectacular" sprawls across the territory's signature licence plate; the City dubs Yellowknife the "capital of cool;"and brave pun-purveyors occasionally don a "It comes with the Territory," shirt. But what is it that makes NWT "spectacular"? What makes it "cool"? And why have so many visitors-turned residents fallen in love with the territory?

With Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society-NWT's release of its annual Love the Land photo calendar, the non-profit organization asks just that.

SA国际影视传媒淲e know people love it, so weSA国际影视传媒檙e like, SA国际影视传媒淪A国际影视传媒榟ey, show us why,SA国际影视传媒橲A国际影视传媒� said Shannon Moore, communications manager at CPAWS-NWT.

This year, during the lead-up to the sixth edition of the calendar SA国际影视传媒� which has featured 12 scenes captured across the territory since its inception in 2012 SA国际影视传媒� NWT residents offered nearly 100 answers.

From there, submissions related to the 2018 incarnationSA国际影视传媒檚 theme of SA国际影视传媒減eople enjoying the land or signs of people enjoying the land,SA国际影视传媒� were narrowed down by judge selection to a dozen winning photos.

With the contest open to amateur and professional photographers alike, Moore said the annual roundup of visual love notes to the region drew repeat contributors as well as newcomers.

Offerings from first-time submitters included the grand prize winner, Bryana Matthews, whose shot of toes sticking out from a lakeside tent graced this year's cover.

Barbara Paquin, whose sophomore entry appears as an inset photo for the month of May, told Yellowknifer sheSA国际影视传媒檚 SA国际影视传媒渘ot a photographer, just someone who takes photos.SA国际影视传媒�

Photographer or not, PaquinSA国际影视传媒檚 submission, that of a toddler sitting lakeside in the sand, captures a common theme among other images showcased in the calendar: the little things that fuel a fondness for the territory.

For Paquin, itSA国际影视传媒檚 those little things that make up her love for the land.

SA国际影视传媒淚 love berry picking. I love the colours in the fall, the blue lakes, the big beautiful skies, the aurora, fishing and canoeing,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Proceeds of calendar sales go toward CPAWS-NWTSA国际影视传媒檚 conservation efforts across the territory. According to Moore, SA国际影视传媒減eople want to protect the land they love,SA国际影视传媒� and the funds raised will help the charitable, non-government organization do so.

CPAWS-NWT, in concert with First Nations and other communities, identifies areas with conservation value, including representative regions or ecosystems unique to the territory. Through environmental evaluations and research, the NWT branch of the nation-wide group advocates on behalf of communities that seek to have their land protected. According to Moore, recent projects, made possible through funding initiatives like the photo calendar, have paved the way for a soon-to-be finalized joint territorial and national park.

SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檝e helped with the Thaidene Nene establishment process, at the east arm of Great Slave Lake,SA国际影视传媒� Moore said, adding that CPAWS-NWT is excited about the opportunities the new park will offer for visitors, residents and all lovers of the land.

The 2018 calendar can be purchased for $20 at the Book Cellar and online at CPAWS-NWTSA国际影视传媒檚 website.