Pitches wanted (technology, innovation, environment) | ~$1 per word

COMPANY/PUBLICATION: LIGHT & SEED

Deadline: 28 May 2025

Erin Vivid Riley, Editor for Light & Seed, is looking for pitches:

The National Forest Foundation is looking for story pitches for its Winter/Spring 2026 issue of Light & Seed magazine, which will focus on how technology and innovation intersects with National Forests and Grasslands in the U.S. 

Specifically, we’re seeking pitches for “The Response,” a department that uses the pillars of solutions journalism to investigate how people are responding to an issue of national importance.

The solution should be on the cusp of real-world or large-scale application: it’s shown success, is actively working through its limitations, and could very soon have significant impact. In particular, we’re looking for stories about bioengineering, whether it’s a piece investigating the efficacy of a new kind of biochar that could remove forever chemicals from water or one assessing the current successes, challenges, and implications of blight-resistant American Chestnuts.

Stories can feature or mention the work of other entities or nonprofits but should somehow be tied to National Forests and Grasslands. Note: We are not looking for stories about carbon capture or AI, drone, or mapping technology.

Pitches should cover:

• A brief overview of the solution, where we are within its timeline, and the evidence/data gathered thus far that indicates its potential impact

• How the approach has been tested and what challenges remain

• The narrative thruline that will tie these elements together

• A short bio and relevant clips

Send pitches to Erin at erinvriley@gmail.com by Wednesday, May 28.

1,000 words for $1,000. First drafts due Monday, June 16.

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CONTACT INFORMATION (please do not share the email address publicly):

• Questions/submissions: erinvriley@gmail.com

• Website: https://www.nationalforests.org/our-forests/light-and-seed-magazine

TO HELP YOU CRAFT YOUR PITCH:

• Learn more about the publication: Light & Seed is a digital publication from the National Forest Foundation that focuses on celebrating the beauty, science, and importance of America's National Forests. The magazine features articles, stories, and photography that highlight the conservation efforts, biodiversity, and ecological significance of these forests. Light & Seed provides readers with insights into environmental stewardship and the ongoing work to preserve public lands.

• Read through a selection of recent articles/stories on its website.

• Check out our collection of pitch excerpts on this page and find more sample pitches at The Open Notebook and at SuccessfulPitches.com.

• Do not forget to end your pitch with (1) a short introduction about yourself; (2) a few lines highlighting your writing experience, relevant credentials and publication credits; and (3) links to your strongest work or portfolio, and online profile.

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