MADISON, Wisconsin — Conservation writer/photographer Heather Physioc has placed First in the Open category of the Outdoor Writers Association of America’s (OWAA) 2026 Excellence in Craft Contest, which celebrates outstanding outdoor media across writing, photography, and other multimedia disciplines.
The contest, sponsored by Friesens and Pew, drew entries from across the country. Winners were announced during the Excellence in Craft Awards Ceremony at OWAA’s annual conference, hosted in Madison, Wisconsin, August 22-24.
About My Wildlife Wonders
The My Wildlife Wonders series strikes a balance between education and entertainment, making the activity pages effective tools for early elementary nature education. They’re designed to be printed and enjoyed for free at home, in school, and with nature programs.
By learning about the exciting – but often endangered – animals of this planet, children are gently introduced to the idea of conservation, respect for nature and wildlife, and environmental responsibility.
About the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA)
Founded in 1927, OWAA is the nation’s premier organization for outdoor communicators, connecting writers, photographers, filmmakers, broadcasters, and educators who share stories of the natural world. Its annual Excellence in Craft Contest highlights the best outdoor media produced each year. More information is available at OWAA.org.
About Heather Physioc
Based in Kansas City, Heather Physioc is a freelance journalist and photographer covering conservation, human-wildlife interaction, and outdoor exploration. Find more of her work at HPconservation.com.
