2024 EXCELLENCE IN CRAFT
Closed FOR Submissions
– https://zealous.co/owac2/opportunity/2024-OWAC-Excellence-In-Craft-awards/
Cash Awards Paid to Winners
10 Categories to Enter
Win in any Medium – Print, Digital, Broadcast, Visuals, Etc.
Enter as Many Times as You like…in any Category
All Submissions (except books) to be Entered Digitally
The Excellence in Craft Awards (EIC) presented by the Outdoor Writers Association of California (OWAC) is a program designed to recognize excellence in the field of outdoor journalism and media communications by media professionals on topics related to the Outdoors. Given annually by OWAC, these awards represent the best achievements in a variety of categories as established by the OWAC Board of Directors.
In keeping with OWAC’s mission, “to expand public information on outdoor recreation and conservation,” these awards are a recognition of excellence as adjudicated by peers in the field of outdoor media communications.
Student Awards
2025 High School Outdoor Writing & Photography Contest
Open for Submissions
Outdoor Writing & Photography Contest offers cash awards to California high school students
Outdoor Writers Association of California invites California high school juniors and seniors to enter the sixth annual Pat Vachini Outdoor Writing & Photography Contest. First-place winners will receive cash awards and top three winners will receive certificates. Entries are due on or before March 1, 2025.
Articles: Write at least 400 words on any outdoor subject as a news article, feature article or column.
Poetry: Write at least 20 lines, either as one poem or several, exploring an outdoors topic or theme.
Photography: Submit a portfolio of three photos of any combination of outdoor subjects (fauna, flora, scenery, people).
Submission: Use this form, or if you have any trouble using the form, email your submission to [email protected]. If you use email, include your name, postal address, grade level, high school, and title of your submission.
About OWAC
Founded in 1986, OWAC helps outdoor media professionals inform outdoor enthusiasts, expand awareness of conservation issues, and create a new generation of outdoor-media content creators.
OWAC established the Pat Vachini Outdoor Writing and Photography Contest in memory of the wife of Don Vachini, longtime OWAC member and one of California’s foremost outdoor writers and photographers.
Outdoor
Californian of the year
Whitney Uyeda
Each year since 1993 Outdoor Writers Association of California has presented the prestigious Outdoor Californian of the Year award (OCOY) to one candidate who has shown outstanding outdoor accomplishments. The OCOY honors an individual working to improve awareness and protection of California lands and waters, wildlife and fisheries, fields, and forests, through a dedicated personal effort.
Past honorees making a difference have been advocates, educators, scientists, protectors, innovators of climate-related technology, teachers, biologists, politicians, land agency managers, and everyday citizens who work at restoration of California outdoor resources. Recipients have made great strides by improving awareness of California outdoor recreation through their work effectively communicating their missions, progress, and results to the public.
Watchable Wildlife
California Watchable Wildlife celebrates the state’s wildlife and diverse habitats by acknowledging and elevating the value of wildlife viewing to benefit individuals, families, communities, and industries while fostering awareness and support for conservation and protection of wildlife and habitats.
This program also administers the annual California Wildlife Photo of the Year Contest, which OWAC is proud to help promote. You are invited to submit your very best photos of California native wildlife for this year’s contest. Check online for contest submission guidelines and to see previous winners.
