OWAA OUTDOOR VOICES

Use Your Outdoor Voices


  • From loons to berry patches: Embracing the quirks of Minnesota’s outdoors

    From loons to berry patches: Embracing the quirks of Minnesota’s outdoors

    Recently, I returned home from spending a summer up north, just outside of Ely, Minnesota, on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. As a born and raised “East Coaster,” there was no way to expect what I’d experience in the rural midwest.  I’d spent two summers in a small town in Colorado before…


  • OWAA names 2023 Excellence In Craft Contest winners 

    OWAA names 2023 Excellence In Craft Contest winners 

    Writer Christine Peterson Leads Way with Six Awards  OWAA leadership revealed the winners of our 2023 Excellence In Craft (EIC) Contest and the President’s Choice Awards at our annual conference in Gulf Shores, Alabama.  Christine Peterson received six awards, while James Smedley, Dan Small and Brent Frazee took home five awards each.  The EIC Contest…


  • Gulf Shores, Alabama rolls out the red carpet for outdoor media in September 2023

    Gulf Shores, Alabama rolls out the red carpet for outdoor media in September 2023

    The Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) conference in Gulf Shores, Alabama September 9-11, 2023 at The Lodge at Gulf State Park promises a dynamic blend of education, camaraderie, and outdoor exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor media professional or an aspiring storyteller, this event’s schedule offers a multitude of reasons to attend. Pre-Tours: Immersion…


  • Enhance your birding experience with the Merlin Bird ID app

    Enhance your birding experience with the Merlin Bird ID app

    Herons. Condors. Falcons. Birds known for their majesty, their abilities and impressive stature.  And then there are pigeons.  Sky Rats. City Doves. Rats with Wings.  Perhaps the bird most in need of a new press agent.  It is unusual that this bird, often considered a pesky annoyance, would be the one to spark my interest…


  • Three outdoor-focused story ideas in and around Gulf Shores, Alabama

    Three outdoor-focused story ideas in and around Gulf Shores, Alabama

    If you’re planning to attend the annual OWAA conference this September in Gulf Shores, Alabama, you could make some money during your visit by setting aside time before and/or after the conference to explore, collect story content and sell the work you produce. Here are some story leads to help you turn your time in…


  • Meet OWAA member Jayme Sun Thomas

    Meet OWAA member Jayme Sun Thomas

    Jayme Sun Thomas is a wildlife photographer and docent naturalist at Placerita Canyon State Park in Newhall, California. Thomas is working on a Bachelor’s Degree at Academy of Art University in Documentary Wildlife Photography.  She photographs wildlife to document and tell the story of wildlife that inhabit the forest at Placerita Canyon State Park and she…


  • Birding basics

    Birding basics

    Birdwatching or birding bestows many benefits. It can decrease stress, sharpen concentration and let you impress your friends when you can identify birds on a whim (that skill comes after A LOT of practice though). Birding gives you the opportunity to explore new places, whether it be your backyard or a whole different country. While…


  • Bodie McDowell Scholarship paves the way for one outdoor communicator 

    Bodie McDowell Scholarship paves the way for one outdoor communicator 

    Brittney J. Miller is an energy and environmental journalist and Report for AmeriCorps at The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has a bachelor’s degrees in journalism and biology from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in science journalism from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). Miller received the Bodie McDowell Scholarship from OWAA in the…


  • LOWA boots: Comfort and stability for outdoor reporters

    LOWA boots: Comfort and stability for outdoor reporters

    When it comes to reporting on outdoor adventures, having the right gear in the field is essential for a successful and enjoyable experience. You can’t write notes without a good working pen or row a canoe without a reliable paddle. Imagine you embark on a six-mile hike in the mountains with a notepad and camera…


  • Insights from industry experts: Keynote speakers revealed for the 2023 OWAA conference

    Insights from industry experts: Keynote speakers revealed for the 2023 OWAA conference

    Get ready for an unforgettable experience at this year’s highly anticipated conference in Gulf Shores, Alabama! We are thrilled to announce the exceptional lineup of keynote speakers who will be sharing their expertise with us at The Lodge at Gulf State Park from September 9-11. Our staff carefully curated a selection of influential and inspiring…


  • GOES.health: The future of wilderness medicine

    GOES.health: The future of wilderness medicine

    When it comes to outdoor activities and adventures, there is always the potential for medical emergencies to arise. Whether it’s a minor injury or a life-threatening situation, having access to medical expertise and advice is crucial. That’s where GOES.health comes in. Founded by Dr. Grant Lipman, GOES.health is an innovative digital health platform that provides…


  • Meet OWAA member Alec Sills-Trausch

    Meet OWAA member Alec Sills-Trausch

    Alec is a landscape photographer and outdoors storyteller with a zeal for pushing boundaries in the wild. He enjoys hiking, backpacking, and visiting remote places, allowing him to photograph locations from which the rest of the world shies away. In addition, Alec loves to write about his travels and craft articles that help educate and…


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