Environmental Journalism

Adventure Activism, Africa, Environmental Journalism, Environmental Protection / 20.07.2015

Adventurer and social entrepreneur Majka Burhardt wants to change the way we think about environmental conservation. In the interests of protecting endangered ecosystems she’s bringing together a broad collation of stakeholders in an effort to create a sustainable model of mutual cooperation and understanding. The idea is to not only look out for the best interests of plants and animals but nearby communities of human beings as well. As a continuation to her Lost Mountain initiative Burhardt headed back to Mozambique in Africa to help educate an emerging...

Environmental Journalism, Environmental Protection, Magazines, River Restoration, Urban Revitalization / 04.05.2015

[caption id="attachment_2063014" align="aligncenter" width="569"] photo by Julia Stotz[/caption] Curiosity is perhaps humanity’s greatest gift. Our inquiring minds drive us forward into an exciting world of mystery and exploration. With each new question we are inspired to discover what might be over the next ridge or beyond the horizon. It is these questions, the utter uncertainty of our existence that makes life worth living. From a very young age I have been encouraged to ask questions. Long ago I learned never to trust anyone who claims to have all the answers....

Adventure Activism, Commentary, Environmental Journalism, Fly Fishing, River Restoration, Urban Revitalization / 09.12.2014

Few people likely realize that just a few minutes’ drive from Los Angeles International Airport is an exquisite urban park. Kenny Hahn State Recreation Area is tucked between La Cienega Blvd and La Brea immediately south of Baldwin Hills and just north of Stocker. With a small lake, a stream, hiking trails and a spectacular view of Downtown LA from the top of a scenic overlook this spot is a hidden gem in the heart of a major city. This is the neighborhood where I grew up. Here is...

Adventure Media Review, Environmental Journalism, Native Culture / 11.09.2014

In this short film from the Wisconsin Media Lab we get a wonderful view into the ancient tradition of wild rice harvesting in the Sokaogon Chippewa Community of Mole Lake. As part of the Ways series on Great Lakes native culture and language producer Finn Ryan shares the story of Fred Ackley who at 64 carries on the practice of ricing to preserve his heritage along with a holistic relationship with the natural world. Manoomin: Food that grows on the water  is a poignant essay that illustrates the importance of honoring...

Adventure Media Review, Banff, Commentary, Environmental Journalism, Life Out Loud / 01.08.2014

  Earlier this week I formally submitted the confirmation for my acceptance into the Banff Mountain and Wilderness Writing Program. This has been a professional goal of mine for such a long time now that I'm astonished to have finally made it this point in my career. But that begs the question that must plague the mind of every professional writer as much as it does mine, what happens next? At the age of 47 it could be said that I am in the middle of my career as a writer. Having finished by...

Adventure Activism, Commentary, Diversity, Environmental Journalism, Expedition Denali / 16.07.2014

Several weeks ago I made the middling drive from Madison to Chicago. On a round Joy Trip of about 300 miles I journeyed south to meet up with two old friends to hear their story of adventure. Robby ReChord and Scott Briscoe were in town to present a slide show at the downtown Patagonia store on their ascent of the highest peak in North America, Mount McKinley also called Denali. As part of a team of African-American climbers Robby and Scott aimed to share their experiences in the...