Do you have a story about how recreating on a National Forests and/or Grasslands changed your relationship to the outdoors, challenged your views, or fostered personal growth? The National Forest Foundation is seeking an essay for the Summer/Fall 2026 issue of its magazine, Light & Seed. Did hunting in Allegheny National Forest give you a new understanding of the interconnectedness of ecosystems? Did trail running through Finger Lakes National Forest help you recover during a difficult time? Did mountain biking in Ozark National Forest allow you to find community? We already have a number of hiking-based stories based in the Southwest and West Coast slated for this issue, so please only send pitches about other forms of recreation in other parts of the country. We’ll prioritize stories that exhibit a narrative arc and strong scenes. You can find past examples of personal essays here and here. We encourage writers of all backgrounds and experiences to pitch. Please include the following in your pitch: A story hed and subhed; two paragraphs that give a sense of your voice; the availability of high-quality photos; and relevant clips. Send pitches to Erin at erinvriley@gmail.com by Tuesday, October 14, 2025. 1,000 words for $1,000. First drafts due Friday, January 2, 2026.