Coalition-Member Spotlight

Ceja Vineyards, Timbuk2, Kokatat, La Rocca Vineyards, Wilderness Press, Horny Toad, Atlas Snowshoe, China Ranch Date Farm, Kennan Ward Photography

Kennan Ward Photography

An adventurer-naturalist, Kennan Ward photographs and writes about wilderness and wildlife. He has dedicated his life to capturing the rare forms of nature on film. Kennan explores remote regions of the world to bring back messages of uncommon beauty. Together with him in the field is his wife, Karen. Since 1986, Karen has significantly contributed to the image selection as a photographer in her own right, as well as assisting in the research and business management of their successful publishing company WildLight Press Inc.

Q&A with Kennan

Q. Why did you join CWHC

A. "We were initially introduced to CWHC via John Sterling, Patagonia and the Conservation Alliance. CWHC's goals and interests are in line with our goals as a California-based environmentally friendly business."

Q. What is the focus of your business

A. "Photography of wildlife and nature is our focus! We feel responsible as publishers and field producers for documenting many of the changes to our environment. Therefore we feel it necessary to help save endangered wildlife and landscapes from destructive uses. We print all of our notecards, calendars, postcards and other paper products (featuring our photos of wildlife and wild landscapes) on recycled paper in the USA using ecologically friendly soy inks---and we have for the last 20 years!"

Q. How does your focus relate to nature/the environment

A. "We are all about nature and the environment--- without the stewardships that protect the wild places where we work, live and play; we would have no purpose."

Q. What drew you to the Campaign

A. "We must support California Wild Heritage and its campaigns in California so we can continue to have the recreational environs that most benefit our overall health. California's rivers, forests, beaches and mountains are national treasures that deserve to be preserved for future generations."

Q. Why should businesses care about the environment

A. "Without these wild areas businesses would not be clean, safe places for employees and other businesses to thrive. We all live off the land---some businesses more than others, we must be responsible.

As we use resources we must work towards a cause and effect balance. In other words, I use paper, therefore I should replant trees and suppport replanting campaigns. I bike to work on all fair weather days to reduce my oil use and pollution and to enjoy the beauty of the community where I live. I recycle, use both sides of paper, encourage, educate and support environmental education, recycling and truth in business campaigns such as the Conservation Alliance in the outdoor industry, and California Wild Heritage locally.

If we don't protect our wild places now, where will we have to turn to for fresh air, natural beauty, and good health in the future — I hope to build upon the positive and aim to keep ahead on the goal of protecting natural areas."

Q. Where can our activists find you

A. California, Alaska and around the world on adventures---exploring, photographing and video taping wild creatures and wild places.

Q. Word Association: What instantly comes to mind when you hear the word wilderness

A. "Wild-ness! Wildlife, ocean beaches, flowing wild rivers, peace, freedom, fresh air, happiness."

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