OWAA membership Archives - Outdoor Writers Association of America

Hueco State Park entrance in El Paso, Texas

Who knew? Six awesome things about El Paso (You’ll salivate at #5!)

With contributions by Chez Chesak When I first learned that El Paso was the site of the Outdoor Writers Association of America’s 2024 conference, I was pretty excited. My excitement was driven mainly, I admit, because Cormack McCarthy—author of one of the greatest and most devastating post-apocalyptic stories of all time, IMO—lived there for decades. […]

Who knew? Six awesome things about El Paso (You’ll salivate at #5!) Read More »

El Paso, Texas: 10 story leads for outdoor media

OWAA Outdoor Voices Blog

Get ready to mix business with pleasure at the annual OWAA conference in sunny El Paso, Texas, happening Sept. 20-22! While you’re not busy conferencing, spice up your downtime by diving into some exciting story leads. Explore the vibrant outdoor scene of El Paso and turn your adventures into cash by highlighting the best of

El Paso, Texas: 10 story leads for outdoor media Read More »

Cave near El Paso, Texas with two people sitting inside

Explore El Paso, Texas and the spectacular southwest: Five outdoor places to visit

OWAA Outdoor Voices Blog

Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site Located only 40 minutes east of El Paso, Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site is a paradise for rock climbers and history buffs alike. Visitors can hike, try rock climbing and bouldering, bird watch, study nature and history, picnic, and stargaze. Also available are guided and self-guided tours

Explore El Paso, Texas and the spectacular southwest: Five outdoor places to visit Read More »

View overlooking Johnson City, Tennessee where the Outdoor Writers Association will hold the 2024 July Field Fest for Outdoor Media

Explore Johnson City, Tennessee at OWAA’s July 2024 Field Fest for Outdoor Media

OWAA Outdoor Voices Blog

Visit Johnson City Tennessee staff is gearing up to host the inaugural OWAA Field Fest this summer, July 7-11, 2024 at the Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City, Tennessee. OWAA’s Field Fest is a “mash-up” of a mini-conference, marketplace for outdoor communicators and various small group press trips. (It’s also an opportunity for OWAA to work with

Explore Johnson City, Tennessee at OWAA’s July 2024 Field Fest for Outdoor Media Read More »

Meet OWAA Member Candace Dantes

OWAA Outdoor Voices Blog

Candace Dantes is a fourth-generation cowgirl and award-winning communicator based in the Georgia Black Belt Region. From rural America, she has collaborated with global brands like London’s M&C Saatchi and Black Beauty & Hair Magazine. Back home, she has served as an agriculture marketer, media consultant, and feature writer for brands like Wrangler, Justin Boots, Cotopaxi,

Meet OWAA Member Candace Dantes Read More »

Top 5 Must-See Attractions In El Paso

OWAA Outdoor Voices Blog

This September, El Paso Texas rolls out the red carpet for OWAA! The destination will host the 2024 OWAA conference September 20-22. This premier conference is where outdoor media and other professionals connect, mingle and learn from more than 250 outdoor storytellers — and the brands that support their work. Save the date! We hope to

Top 5 Must-See Attractions In El Paso Read More »

Meet OWAA member Jayme Sun Thomas

OWAA Outdoor Voices Blog

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

Meet OWAA member Jayme Sun Thomas Read More »

Meet OWAA member Alec Sills-Trausch

OWAA Outdoor Voices Blog

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

Meet OWAA member Alec Sills-Trausch Read More »

Right On Trek Backcountry meal of curry leaning on a log

Member review: RightOnTrek backcountry meals

OWAA Outdoor Voices Blog

RightOnTrek, the backcountry meal and trail planning plus gear rental company based in Kalispel, Montana, has developed an extensive line of backpacking meals that are truly nutritious and provide ample quality calories to keep you energized during any outdoor pursuit. But, how do they taste? RightOnTrek asked me if I would taste test a couple

Member review: RightOnTrek backcountry meals Read More »

Chris Paparo outdoors with three of his images.

Meet OWAA member Chris Paparo

OWAA Outdoor Voices Blog

Born and raised on Long Island (New York), Chris Paparo has been exploring the wilds of the Island for over 35 years. As the owner of Fish Guy Photos, he is a wildlife photographer, writer and lecturer who enjoys bringing public awareness to the diverse wildlife that calls the island home. His passion for coastal

Meet OWAA member Chris Paparo Read More »