The earth is stirring with the rhythms of migration– responding to the changes in light, temperature, and available sustenance.
From a human perspective– it’s been, and continues to be, a mercurial and unsettling year. As it draws to a close, we’ve taken time at Braided River to revisit the core beliefs that both define and sustain our work. How fortunate we are to work with the photographers and authors who have entrusted their stories and artistry to us, to the advocacy partners and funders that center our work and give it purpose, and to the media platforms that amplify our messages to diverse audiences far and wide.
At our center: Compelling images and well-crafted stories have the power to transcend boundaries, build connection, and inspire transformational change.
Before long, the urgencies of anticipating new life on this planet will drive a return– migration stimulated once again by the promise of Earth’s abundance. Our work at Braided River is centered in a shared commitment to ensure this eternal return.
Salmon, Cedar, Rock & Rain is a PNBA Finalist!
"Salmon, Cedar, Rock & Rain: Washington's Olympic Peninsula" is a finalist for the prestigious Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association award. This recognition by a consortium of independent booksellers is high praise, and an honor for the community of talent that brought this book to life.
The Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association (PNBA) has conducted an annual awards program to recognize literary excellence in the Pacific Northwest region– Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Montana, Idaho and British Columbia since 1964. This year's committee consisted of volunteer independent booksellers from throughout our region who considered almost 300 nominated titles. The committee honors up to six original works annually. Since 1965, PNBA's annual Book Awards have recognized such luminary figures in Northwest literature as Ivan Doig, Ursula K. Le Guin, David James Duncan, Cheryl Strayed, Jonathan Evison, Molly Gloss, Chuck Palahniuk, and Brian Doyle. Notably, David Guterson, a contributor to "Salmon, Cedar, Rock & Rain" won a 1995 PNBA award for "Snow Falling on Cedars." Many of these authors were honored by PNBA before they received national acclaim.
This year’s twelve titles on the shortlist comprise the pool from which up to six winners will be selected. Winners will be announced in early January 2025.
This book was conceived in community to support ongoing protections for Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. We support the Wild Olympics Wilderness & Wild and Scenic Rivers Act that would provide durable, permanent safeguards for the Peninsula’s most priceless natural treasures, including ancient forests, free-flowing rivers, and critical wildlife and salmon habitat that is especially crucial to sustaining regional Tribes.
Introducing Braided River's Newest Board Member, Natalie Fobes
Braided River is thrilled to announce Natalie Fobes as our newest board member! Natalie is an accomplished photographer and was a co-founder of Blue Earth Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to helping photographers pursue stories about endangered environments and threatened cultures. Her national tour of an exhibit based on her conservation book: “Reaching Home: Pacific Salmon, Pacific People” toured for over ten years reaching over one million viewers. Natalie has also been on assignment with National Geographic, earned a Pulitzer nomination for her work documenting the Exxon Valdez oil spill, contributed images to the Braided River “We Are Puget Sound” book and Burke Museum exhibit.
“Photographers are the eyes and conscience of society. Our photographs illuminate the dark corners of our cultural and environmental tapestry. These images record, for all time, the split second that the shutter remains open. Life in the present becomes history in the future.” – Natalie Fobes
Experience the Colorado River at an Event this Fall!
Explore the Colorado River and the amazing life along the way with photographer Dave Showalter: from birds to mammals and fish that thrive in the enduring lands and waterways to the admirable riverkeepers invested in our shared future. Where there is flow, there is life! Find/share an upcoming event near you!
Thursday, October 24: Living River Moab, UT Event
7:00 PM at the Moab Grand County Public LibraryThursday, October 31: Living River Tuscon, AZ Event
3:00 PM at the Water Resources Research Center at the University of ArizonaSunday, November 3: Living River Phoenix, AZ Event
2:00 PM at the Lath Pavilion
Photo Credits
Top Photo: Florian Schulz