Unleash the wild: Annual nature photography contest now open

Unleash the wild: Annual nature photography contest now open
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NASHVILLE — Calling all nature enthusiasts and photography aficionados!

Tennessee Wildlife Federation is thrilled to announce the launch of its ninth annual Wildlife and Landscape Photo Contest. As we celebrate the beauty of Tennessee’s wildlife, landscapes, and natural wonders, photographers of all skill levels are invited to submit their captivating shots for a chance to win exciting prizes and be featured in the Federation’s 2024 calendar.

Photos of Tennessee’s incredible wildlife and wild places can be submitted at tnwf.org/photo-contest until Aug. 31. Whether you’re an amateur capturing the mesmerizing hues of a sunrise over the Smoky Mountains or a seasoned pro with wildlife masterpieces, this contest welcomes all nature-inspired imagery.

Photographers can submit one photo with a $5 suggested donation, up to five photos for $10, and up to 20 photos with a $20 donation. This donation helps support the Federation’s mission to lead the conservation, sound management and wise use of Tennessee’s wildlife and great outdoors.

“We are incredibly excited to host this photography contest each year because it’s another way to join together with other passionate people to highlight our state’s rich biodiversity and natural splendor,” said Kendall McCarter, chief development officer for the Tennessee Wildlife Federation. “We hope this contest provides a platform for photographers to show their love for nature and wildlife, inspire a greater appreciation of conservation, and foster a deeper connection with the great outdoors.”

A panel of judges will select the best photos to be featured in the Federation’s 2024 calendar and across the Federation’s digital platforms. Winners will also receive a variety of prizes including Patagonia gift cards up to $250, Federation apparel and more.

The deadline to submit photos is 11:59 p.m. CT Aug. 31. Voting for the People’s Choice winner will be open to the public on Sept. 8.

For contest guidelines, submission details and more information, visit tnwf.org/photo-contest.

At Mass Moca, artist Elle Pérez’s photographs explore the intimate relationships between humans and the natural world

At Mass Moca, artist Elle Pérez’s photographs explore the intimate relationships between humans and the natural world
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NORTH ADAMS — Sunlight slants over stone, drawing us inward, up the passage into limestone shaped by rain and sea water and images and ideas from artists centuries ago.

Two photographs look into the Cabachuelas Caves in Puerto Rico. They align as though the photographer is moving into the tunnel, standing surrounded with the feel and scents of the air, stalactites, stone and salt water.

World Sports Photography awards 2023

World Sports Photography awards 2023
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Rugby category. Australia’s Len Ikitau in action during the Rugby Union International between France and Australia at the Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France.

Airstream x REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 20X is a Match Made in Moab

Airstream x REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 20X is a Match Made in Moab

If there have ever been two companies that needed to hook up, few feel like such a natural pairing as Airstream with REI. The two brands synonymous with adventuring outdoors are introducing a 20-foot REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 20X, and we’re all for this rugged new travel trailer appointed with eco-friendly features designed to take off the rough edges while adventuring by (off)road.

The REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 20X is nowhere as technologically appointed as the Lightship L1, but like that solar powered recreational adventure trailer, the REI badged Airstream edition can be paired with an optional 360W solar charging system with a lithium battery bank for off-grid power. The small footprint and 3,500 pound base weight means you won’t need a beastly Ford F-250 or RAM 2500 to haul one of these trailers to your favorite campground site – a mid-size SUV or light-duty truck should suffice.

Angled exterior photo of the REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 20X travel trailer.

Airstream’s standard X-Package adds a 3” lift kit, off-road tires, and front window solar protection. Only the small green embellishments and REI badge designate this trailer as special from the exterior.

Rear of REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 20X trailer with back hatch door open revealing a glimpse of the interior.

The REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 20X rear hatch door makes for easy entry and egress in tight quarters.

Compared to Airstream’s stock Basecamp, there is seemingly little difference at first glance between the standard model and this new REI edition. Airstream seems to have eked out an additional 3.5-inches in exterior height, but beyond the REI badge and green-hued detailing, you’d be pressed to notice a difference.

Graphic of the interior layout of the REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 20X

That is until you enter into the interior, where the trailer reveals what makes this worthy of its “special edition” designation, most specifically its larger accommodations credit to the larger 20-foot chassis. A convertible front dinette transforms from dining area into a sleeping or entertaining section with only a few adjustments, offering a camping group of up to four numerous configurable options, as illustrated below:

Interior of REI Airstream trailer front with seating and table accessible for dining.

Interior of the the REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 20X travel trailer dining area with table covered with cushions to convert into a lounge with panoramic window view.

Interior of REI Airstream trailer rear area configured into large length of seating with two small tables inbetween.

Rear of REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 20X travel trailer converted for sleeping for four with cushions creating mattress surface.

The 20-foot model’s organic-hued palette applied across many of the trailer’s interior surfaces, fabric, and upholstery detailing lends a contemporary airy vibe, as does the stylish Terrazo interior bath walls hidden behind Green Matrix painted walls. Eco-sourced fabrics and laminates made from post-consumer recycled materials keep things figuratively and literally on the spectrum of green, as does the inclusion of a cutting board sink cover made from recycled paper, and cabinetry crafted from lightweight and sustainably grown wood. The sum of colors and materials makes this our favorite expression of the Airstream lifestyle aesthetic.

Angled view of the multi-layered green slate countertop, adorned with exposed birch plywood within the REI Edition Airstream, with burners covered.

An onboard galley is equipped with 2-burner cooktop, a stainless steel sink featuring a graphite black faucet, and pop-up charging ports elevates meal preparation beyond campfire offerings.

Detail of yellow bungie cords and wood cabinetry stamped with REI Co-op logo.

Angled view of the multi-layered green slate countertop, adorned with exposed birch plywood within the REI Edition Airstream, with burners cover lifted.

REI adventurers likely land in the spectrum of “prepared and organized,” and this model delivers with a built-in floor cooler with drain that can be used for beverages or as added wet storage, a dedicated gear locker, and a 25-piece REI Co-op product kit designed to stow away neatly into custom-designed compartments. Those who like to stay connected even while on break, the trailer is pre-wired for Airstream Connected, a cellular powered Wi-Fi system.

View from kitchen galley area toward the rear seating and sleep quarters of the REI edition Airstream trailer.

Storage options area in the rear seating and sleep quarters of the REI edition Airstream trailer, filled with camping and adventuring gear.

The exclusive product kit includes essential items like dishware, flatware, and storage cubes complementing the REI-specific decor elements, like the birch cabinetry and spruce green accents. An L-track storage system is also situated for easy access and for storing the usual array of gear often brought for outdoor adventuring, including bikes, skis, and kayaks.

Door open to the water-saving composting toilet and bathroom with shower overhead.

A water-saving composting toilet is an optional upgrade, but UV-LED water filtration and a recirculating water heater are standard.

Both the previous available 16-foot REI-Co-op Special Edition Basecamp and this new 20-foot edition are available now, with pricing for the new 20-foot model starting at $62,400. For additional details and specs, go to Airstream.com.

Gregory Han is the Managing Editor of Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.

World’s Largest Goose Sculpture: world record in Sumner, Missouri

World’s Largest Goose Sculpture: world record in Sumner, Missouri
Sumner, Missouri, United States–Maxie, the World’s Largest Goose Sculpture, sits in Sumner, Missouri, United States, known as the Wild Goose Capital of the World; made of fiberglass, a creation of David C. Jackson, a Kansas City artist, Maxie has a wingspan of a whopping 62 feet (19 meters) and a weight of roughly 4,000 pounds (2 tons), the 40 feet tall bird (12 meters), thus setting the world record for being the World’s Largest Goose Sculpture, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.