Publication: Light & Seed (National Forest Foundation)
Topics: Outdoors, Recreation, Nature Essays
Rate: $1 per word (~$1,000 for 1,000 words)
Deadline: October 14, 2025
Editor: Erin Vivid Riley
Submit Via: Email – erinvriley@gmail.com
The National Forest Foundation’s award-winning magazine Light & Seed is calling for pitches for its Summer/Fall 2026 issue.
They’re seeking personal essays (1,000 words) about experiences recreating in U.S. National Forests and Grasslands. Your story should show how time outdoors challenged your perspective, shaped your growth, or deepened your connection to nature.
Examples:
- Hunting in Allegheny National Forest reshaping your understanding of ecosystems.
- Trail running in Finger Lakes National Forest during a difficult season of life.
- Mountain biking in Ozark National Forest helping you find community.
Important: They already have hiking stories lined up (especially Southwest & West Coast). So this call is open to other forms of recreation in other regions.
They want essays with strong narratives, vivid scenes, and personal depth. Writers from all backgrounds are encouraged to pitch.
Pitch requirements:
- A headline + subhead for your essay.
- 2 short paragraphs that showcase your voice.
- Note whether you can provide high-quality photos.
- Relevant writing clips.
First drafts are due January 2, 2026.
What They’re Looking For:
✔ Outdoor personal essays with a clear arc.
✔ Recreation beyond hiking (hunting, biking, running, etc.).
✔ Strong, narrative-driven storytelling.
✔ Unique regional perspectives (not Southwest/West Coast).
Resources/Guides:
How To Get This Client:
Editors at publications like Light & Seed want essays with a heartbeat—your story must have emotion, setting, and transformation. Don’t pitch “an idea”; pitch a story that already has tension and resolution. Back it with clips, and you’ll stand out.
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