Selected environmental journalism, travel writing, outdoor articles, conservation reporting and regional storytelling by Roddy Scheer, a Seattle-based journalist, author, photographer and field guide writer.
As seen in: E/The Environmental Magazine, Seattle Magazine, Northwest Travel, PhotoMedia, Popular Photography, Emagazine.com and other regional and national publications.
Featured Environmental and Travel Writing Clips
Recent and representative work covering outdoor travel, natural history, regional landscapes and environmentally minded destinations.
Eastward & Upward: Indulging in Washington’s Central Cascades
A Pacific Northwest travel and outdoor feature exploring the landscapes, towns, trails, waterfalls and natural history of Washington’s Central Cascades.
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Living It Up On California’s Big Sur Coast
A travel feature on Big Sur’s coast, public lands, scenic drives, ocean views, coastal ecology and classic California outdoor experiences.
Read ArticleEnvironmental Reporting and Conservation Articles
Selected reporting on environmental health, green buildings, urban forests, public lands, conservation, climate-minded design and ecological issues.
Building a Better Building: Bullitt Center Raises the Bar for Green Commercial Buildings
A feature on Seattle’s Bullitt Center and the rise of ambitious green commercial building design.
Read ArticleLeft in the Dust: Improper Cleanup and Communication Compromised the Health of People Living and Working Near the World Trade Center Site
An environmental health investigation into the lingering impacts of contamination, cleanup and public communication after 9/11.
Read ArticleBuilt to Last: The 9/11 Attacks Have Ushered in a New Generation of Safer, Greener Skyscrapers
A look at how skyscraper design evolved toward safer, more resilient and greener buildings.
Read ArticleSeeking Sanctuary: Our National Wildlife Refuge System In Trouble
A conservation feature on the pressures facing America’s national wildlife refuge system.
Read ArticleParks As Lungs: America’s Urban Forests Make Environmental and Economic Sense
An environmental feature on urban forests, city parks and the economic and ecological value of green space.
Read ArticleFishing with Duke: Extreme Sourcing with the Man Behind Duke’s Chowder House
A regional food and sustainability story on seafood sourcing, local restaurants and the people behind the supply chain.
Read ArticlePacific Northwest Travel and Outdoor Writing
Outdoor travel clips on Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska and the wider Northwest, including road trips, hiking, camping, paddling, islands and mountain destinations.
Seattle’s Counterbalance? The Awe-Inspiring, Wide-Open Landscape of the Palouse
A road-trip feature on the Palouse, one of Washington’s most distinctive and photogenic regional landscapes.
Read ArticleTake a Northwest-Style Safari on the Olympic Peninsula
A Northwest travel feature on wildlife, scenery and outdoor adventure across the Olympic Peninsula.
Read ArticleAt Takhlakh Lake, Enjoy A Quintessential Out-Of-The-Way NW Camping Experience
A camping and lake-getaway feature on Takhlakh Lake and Mount Adams country.
Read ArticleYearning To Leave Civilization Behind? A Visit to Stehekin Comes Close
A travel feature on Stehekin, Lake Chelan and the appeal of remote Northwest destinations.
Read ArticleThe Best Places to Camp in the Northwest: Ross Lake
A Northwest camping feature on Ross Lake, North Cascades scenery and classic backcountry lake travel.
Read ArticleFrom Skiing to Sleigh Rides: Take a Trip to Sun Valley
A mountain travel piece on Sun Valley, winter recreation and classic Western resort-town experiences.
Read ArticleThe Ultimate Coast Guide: Olympic Peninsula
A travel guide-style feature on the Olympic Peninsula coast, beaches, towns and wild shorelines.
Read ArticleSan Juan Serenity: One Last Summer Paddling Trip Doesn’t Disappoint
A paddling and island-travel feature on the San Juan Islands and the pleasures of late-summer sea kayaking.
Read ArticleTreading Lightly in Alaska: Living It Up In Sadie Cove
A sustainable travel feature on Alaska’s Sadie Cove, wilderness lodging and low-impact adventure.
Read ArticleSeattle, Puget Sound and Salish Sea Articles
Stories about Seattle history, urban nature, floating homes, Portage Bay, the San Juan Islands, the Salish Sea, local parks and regional culture.
The People of Portage Bay & Environs Before The Denny Party
A Seattle history article on Portage Bay, Indigenous presence and the human story of the landscape before the Denny Party.
Read ArticleSeattle’s Houseboats & Floating Homes: Past, Present & Future
A Seattle waterfront history piece on houseboats, floating homes, Lake Union and the city’s relationship with life on the water.
Read ArticleOrca Spotting on the Salish Sea
A Northwest Travel feature on orcas, wildlife watching and the marine landscapes of the Salish Sea.
Read PDFMagnuson Park’s $13 Million Makeover
A Seattle parks story on restoration, public investment and the transformation of Magnuson Park.
Read ArticleMeet Seattle’s Newest Invasive Plant
An urban ecology article on invasive plants and the changing botanical landscape of Seattle.
Read ArticleFoodies Afloat: A New Kind of Moveable Feast Comes to the San Juan Islands
A San Juan Islands feature on food, boating, regional culture and Northwest island travel.
Read ArticleInto the Wilds: Slowing Down Time in the San Juan Islands
A reflective travel and nature feature on the pace, wildness and ecology of the San Juan Islands.
Read ArticleThe Big Gamble: Can the Once Proud Snoqualmie Tribe Regain Its Heritage and Future by Following the Casino Path?
A regional reporting feature on tribal sovereignty, economic development, cultural heritage and the Snoqualmie Tribe.
Read ArticlePassion Fish: Lummi Islanders Keep Ancient Practice of Reefnet Fishing Alive
A cultural and ecological feature on Lummi Island reefnet fishing and the persistence of a traditional fishing practice.
Read ArticleRiding High on the Snoqualmie Valley Trail
A trail feature on the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, regional recreation and the experience of moving through the Northwest landscape.
Read ArticlePhotography and Conservation Photography Clips
Articles on nature photography, conservation photography, visual storytelling, Mount St. Helens and photographers working at the intersection of art and environmental awareness.
New Networks for Conservation Photographers
A photography feature on conservation photographers, collaboration and the growing role of images in environmental advocacy.
Read ArticleFrans Lanting: A Bridge to the Natural World
A profile of Frans Lanting and the power of nature photography to connect viewers with the living world.
Read ArticlePreserving Nature’s Legacy: Conservation Photography Goes Mainstream
An article on conservation photography as a mainstream force in environmental communication and public awareness.
Read ArticleDestinations: Mount St. Helens, Roddy Scheer Captures the Volcano’s Explosive Beauty
A photography feature on Mount St. Helens, volcanic landscapes and Roddy Scheer’s images of the mountain’s continuing story.
Read ArticleNational Parks, Public Lands, Islands and Wild Places
Longer features and travel clips on national parks, volcanic landscapes, desert country, islands, rainforests, wildlife habitat and other wild places.
Naturally Spectacular: Glacier National Park
A Northwest Travel feature on Glacier National Park, alpine scenery, wildlife and one of America’s iconic public landscapes.
Read PDFUnder the Arches: Desert Discoveries Around Moab, Utah
A desert travel and nature feature on Moab, Arches, canyon country and Utah’s red-rock landscapes.
Read ArticleSummer Fun at Mt. St. Helens
A travel feature on Mount St. Helens, volcanic landscapes, recreation and the mountain’s remarkable natural recovery.
Read PDFPeru’s Wild Life: A Trip to Rainforest Expeditions’ Posada Amazonas Restores the Human Senses
An eco-travel feature on the Peruvian Amazon, rainforest lodges, biodiversity and immersive wildlife experiences.
Read ArticleA Greener Blue Lagoon
A travel and sustainability feature on Turtle Island, Fiji, and the environmental questions surrounding island resort travel.
Read ArticleAdditional Selected Clips and Essays
Other published work, including essays, bicycle commuting stories and regional lifestyle features.
Seattle Bike Commuting Series
A Seattle Magazine series on bike commuting, urban cycling culture and everyday transportation by bicycle.
Ice Age: The Monday Night Delights of Hockey
A personal essay on hockey, community, routine and the pleasures of an enduring weekly game.
Read ArticleMore from Roddy Scheer
For more on Roddy’s environmental journalism, field guides, photography and public programs, visit About Roddy Scheer, browse Books by Roddy Scheer, explore the Photography Archive, or contact Roddy for media inquiries, speaking engagements and book events.