Open for Submissions
March 12 – April 30, 2026
Magical Mendocino County
After nearly five years, we were thrilled to return to this spectacular part of California. Enjoying places we know well.
OWAC honors winners of student contest
Outdoor Writers Association of California proudly honors winners of its 2026 Pat Vachini Writing & Photography Contest.
Sharlene Goduco of Castro Valley High School won first place in the writing category with her story about Yellowstone National Park.
California Wildlife Photo Contest Celebrates Its Crystal Year
California Watchable Wildlife Winning Images for January-February 2026
Join OWAC
The Outdoor Writers Association of California brings together passionate storytellers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts dedicated to celebrating California’s natural beauty through authentic, compelling narratives.
Networking
Connect with fellow outdoor writers and photographers
Participation
Contribute to our community and share your work
Promotion
Showcase your stories and achievements
EVENTS AND AWARDS PROGRAMS
Host a Conference
Put Your Destination in the Spotlight
Want California’s most influential outdoor media telling your story?
The Outdoor Writers Association of California (OWAC) is inviting California destinations to apply to host an upcoming OWAC Conference — a three-day immersive experience that brings professional outdoor journalists, photographers, broadcasters, and digital creators directly into your region.
If your destination offers:
✔ Outdoor adventure
✔ Unique character
✔ Strong local partners
✔ A desire for meaningful media exposure
…then your destination may be a perfect fit.
CONNECT WITH US
Subscribe to our bi-monthly digital newsletter for information about the organization, great craft improvement articles, upcoming events and awards, and links to stories about travel and the outdoors by OWAC members.
Featured Members
Featured Members
A great benefit for OWAC members is the ability to submit stories to the News & Posts page of our website. Send in your article via the submit form below for review and approval by the webmaster. All submissions must be your own work and, if previously published elsewhere, permission given by the publisher to post here.
Our most active members are featured here.
