The earth needs a new kind of story.
I write to bridge the gaps between science and public awareness, environmental stewardship and outdoor culture.
Writing Samples
Microplastics on Everest
Peering into the microscope, Dr. Imogen Napper knew what she didn’t want to find. Under her lens lay a snow sample from The Balcony on Mount Everest, 8,440 metres above sea level, and just shy of the famed summit. It’s the highest sample ever collected for microplastic study . . .
Photo: Mark Fisher
The Long-Lost Ski Goddess
For as long as most mountain town ski bums can remember, we’ve been told the grand deity of winter, and skiing, is the Norse god Ullr. With gusto and unfiltered belief, we burn old skis, dance around the flames, and shout his praise—anything for a good winter, especially if it involves a good time. While all this worship is light-hearted, and ultimately in pursuit of connection, ski culture’s enchantment with Ullr hints at something deeper . . .
Parks Problem: The Underfunding of B.C. Parks
The first BC park was created in 1911. The park, and the resulting system were products of the colonial mindset—in order for land to be protected from industry it needed to be assigned a purpose. Parks were given three often competing roles: conservation, recreation, and tourism. Over the past century, a provincial identity has emerged . . .
Now or never—BC’s last chance to save the Southern Resident killer whales
Marine biologist, Alexandra Morton recently stated, “If we lose the Southern Resident [orcas] it will be the first extinction where every individual’s name was known.”
The endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) are made up of three pods: J, K and L. Alongside their pod letter, each whale is given a number, a practice common for research purposes. Feeling a strong connection to these whales . . .
Plastic Horizons: An all-women crew sets sail to uncover the state of plastic pollution in BC’s Salish Sea
The official motto of the province of British Columbia is: Splendor sine occasu, a latin phrase that translates to “Splendor without Diminishment.” But these days, just how undiminished is our natural splendor?
Rising Above Plastics with Surfrider
Overwhelm. It’s a persistent emotion here on this island. It buzzes around like a black fly emitting a steady drone of “it’ll never be enough.” I have to shut it out or its prophecy will come true. We are on a two-and-a-half day remote beach clean of Vargas Island, traditional territory of the Ahousaht First Nation . . .
Guide to Paddleboarding in Whistler
From Hawaii to Peru, Italy to Israel, the beginnings of paddleboarding around the world have all had one thing in common – the ocean. So it may come as a surprise that the modern version of stand-up paddleboarding (also known as SUP) has effortlessly immersed itself in mountain culture . . .
Why You Should Take the Plunge Into Cold-Water Swimming
It’s eight degrees Celcius. Shockingly cold. Why would ANYONE leap into this chilling body of water?
That about sums up the internal “monkey mind” monologue of every wild, cold-water swimmer, right up until the moment they get in the water.
Wild, cold water swimming has taken off across the northern hemisphere. A combination of COVID-19 related pool closures . . .
Work with Me
Have a story that needs writing? I’d love to hear about it.
nikkeydawn@gmail.com