Conservation

Venture into the Wild with Sam Rivers: A Wildlife Mystery Series from Adventure Publications

Megan Wells April 21, 2025 0 AdventureKEEN, Authors, Be Well. Be Outdoors., Conservation, fiction, Good Reads, Midwest, Minnesota, Mystery, Nature, Wildlife

If you’re already a follower of the wide variety of nature-focused titles from Adventure Publications, prepare to experience the great outdoors in an entirely new way with the Sam Rivers Mystery series by Cary J. Griffith. This captivating collection combines the thrill of well-crafted mysteries with the author’s deep knowledge of wildlife and wilderness settings, creating a reading experience that’s as educational as it is entertaining.

Sam Rivers isn’t your typical mystery protagonist. As a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service special agent, he brings a unique perspective to criminal investigations. His expertise in wildlife management and conservation adds an authentic layer to these page-turning narratives. Sam’s faithful companion, Gray, a wolf-dog hybrid with keen instincts, accompanies him on his adventures, creating a dynamic duo that readers can’t help but root for.

What sets these mysteries apart is the author’s remarkable ability to transform natural landscapes into characters themselves. From the dense forests of Minnesota to the rugged bluffs of the Driftless region, each setting is rendered with such vivid detail that you can almost feel the crunch of leaves underfoot or hear the rustle of wildlife in the underbrush. Cary doesn’t just describe these environments, he immerses you in them, making the wilderness both a backdrop and a vital element of each investigation.

Each book in the series features a distinct wildlife theme that serves as both plot device and powerful metaphor. In Wolf Kill, the predator-prey dynamics of wolf packs mirror the hunter-hunted relationship between investigator and killer. Cougar Claw explores the elusive, solitary nature of mountain lions as a reflection of isolated human communities harboring secrets. Killing Monarchs uses the fragility and miraculous migration of monarch butterflies to symbolize vulnerable victims and the far-reaching consequences of exploitation. Dead Catch employs the harsh survival conditions of Minnesota winters and the untamed waters of Lake Vermilion as a metaphor for human resilience and adaptation. Throughout the series, Cary masterfully uses these natural elements not merely as backdrop but as profound symbolism that enhances the thematic depth of each mystery, demonstrating how the laws of nature often parallel the darker aspects of human behavior.

The series appeals to a wide range of readers. Outdoors enthusiasts will appreciate the authentic portrayal of natural environments. Wildlife conservationists will value the educational aspects woven throughout the narratives. And mystery lovers will be drawn into the intricately plotted investigations that challenge both Sam’s intellect and wilderness skills.

Rattlesnake Bluff: The Latest Sam Rivers Adventure

In the upcoming Rattlesnake Bluff, the fifth installment in the series, Cary delivers his most compelling mystery yet. When an endangered rattlesnake is discovered at a construction site in southeastern Minnesota, Sam Rivers is called to investigate what initially appears to be an environmental issue. However, the situation takes a sinister turn when the investigation unearths human remains buried decades ago. As Sam delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets connecting the rattlesnake, the remains of two children, and a series of present-day murders. The narrative expertly weaves together themes of environmental conservation, the weight of past actions, and the complexity of human nature. Featuring Cary’s signature blend of suspenseful storytelling and rich environmental detail, Rattlesnake Bluff presents Sam with his most dangerous challenge yet—one that puts both him and his loyal companion Gray in the crosshairs of a ruthless killer determined to keep the past buried. This latest addition to the series showcases why Jeffrey B. Burton, award-winning author, describes it as a “rollicking page-turner“ in which “Special Agent Sam Rivers finds himself on the endangered species list.“

For AdventureKEEN readers looking to expand their appreciation of the natural world through the lens of gripping fiction, the Sam Rivers Mystery series offers the perfect blend of outdoors adventure and suspenseful storytelling that will keep you turning pages late into the night.

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Travis Bryant January 7, 2025 0 Advocacy, Conservation

The Biden Administration just announced their decision to designate Chuckwalla and Sàttìtla Highlands as National Monuments! What a great way to kick off 2025! These two designations will protect more than 800,000 acres of public lands in northern and southern California.

AdventureKEEN is a proud partner of The Conservation Alliance, which has been working hard to bring together government officials, media, grassroots supporters, and businesses like AdventureKEEN to make days like today a reality. You can see more about the TCA’s most recent campaign at Mobilizing for Monuments. With more than 545,000 jobs linked to the active outdoor recreation economy in California, this is not only a good move for the planet but a good move for the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) and help it continue to grow.

Here’s a link to read the official media announcement from the White House.

Congratulations to everyone involved!

Antiquities Act Anniversary – June 8, 2024

Travis Bryant June 8, 2024 0 AdventureKEEN, Conservation

The Antiquities Act was signed into law on June 8, 1906 and authorized all future presidents to protect historic landmarks or objects of “scientific interest” on public lands as national monuments. Since the Antiquities Act was passed, nine republican and nine democratic presidents have used the tool to protect nearly 160 important historical, archeological, or public lands across the nation. Many iconic landscapes were first protected under the Antiquities Act, such as Grand Canyon National Park (1908), Great Sand Dunes National Park (1932), and most recently, the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument Expansion (2024).

National Monuments are one of the most effective ways to permanently protect public lands. AdventureKEEN is one of 100 companies who are #MobilizingforMonuments in an effort to protect over 3 million acres of our public lands. Conservation is a shared value that connects people from every corner of the continent and all walks of life. Everyone, regardless of race, income, or political affiliation, can benefit from access to outdoor spaces. On the anniversary of the Antiquities Act, we are proud to stand with local communities, tribes, and business leaders in supporting the designation of more national monuments.

Learn more at: https://www.mobilizingformonuments.com/

#MobilizingforMonuments #AntiquitiesAct #bewellbeoutdoors

Mobilizing for Monuments Preview

Travis Bryant April 8, 2024 0 AdventureKEEN, Advocacy, Conservation

Last year, The Conservation Alliance, Rivian, Flickr, and Nuestra Tierra embarked on a road trip from Colorado to California to advocate for the permanent protection of National Monuments. Meeting with local business leaders, elected officials, tribal leaders, on-the-ground champions, and recreationists, the M4MRoadTrip was an epic journey across the American West.

The film will be released, in just 10 days, but you can go ahead and watch the full trailer on YouTube.

We at AdventureKEEN know that the future of business depends on a healthy planet, and that is why we are thrilled to announce our support for this ambitious initiative. The Mobilizing for Monuments (M4M) is a coalition of businesses that understand that protecting our public lands directly benefits our economy, culture, and way of life. Take the first step in protecting our lands, businesses, and communities. Watch the Mobilizing for Monuments trailer, and get ready to make your voice heard!

You can follow The Conservation Alliance on Instagram for more information about the Mobilizing for Monuments Road Trip Film and all of their conservation campaigns.

Alaska’s public lands need your help!

Travis Bryant February 7, 2024 0 AdventureKEEN, Advocacy, Conservation

Alaska’s fish, wildlife, and public lands need your help! Across the state, 28 million acres of BLM-managed public lands could soon be repurposed for extractive industrial development. We’re talking about public lands that feed over 100 Alaska Native communities, nourish incredible fish and wildlife biodiversity, and serve as massive carbon sinks for the planet.

But RIGHT NOW, you can stand up to keep these landscapes safe. @BLMNational just opened a 60-day public comment period on this potential rollback of public land protections. The federal government needs to hear that we want public land uses that support local communities, and prioritize clean water, healthy habitat, and food security. Speak up now to maintain protections for some of the last, intact large landscapes left on the planet: https://wildsalmoncenter.org/2023/12/18/take-action-for-alaska-fish-wildlife-and-public-lands/

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (Designation and Defense)

Travis Bryant October 2, 2023 0 Conservation, News

Last month, the Biden administration made a historic announcement to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and over 13 million acres in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska.

In 2021, leases had been sold to companies hoping to strike oil on the Coastal Plain, but the Department of the Interior is now proposing a ban on drilling for 10.6 million acres inside the National Petroleum Reserve, and limiting drilling for another 2.6 million acres. The proposal will designate the 13.2 million acres as “special areas,” preventing future administrations from stripping away these protections.

About The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: For nearly twenty years, the Conservation Alliance has worked tirelessly to help protect the 19 million acre Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. From trips to DC with business leaders to providing nearly one million dollars in grants since 2005, the impact of our members has been felt far and wide. The Arctic is the most funded project in TCA’s history. Grantees have included Alaska Wilderness League, Gwich’in Steering Committee, Audubon Alaska, Trustees for Alaska, and the Alaska Conservation Foundation.

Grantees:

Learn more about this success at The Conservation Alliance’s website.

Avi Kwa Ame Designated as a National Monument!

Travis Bryant June 27, 2023 1 Conservation, News

As members of The Conservation Alliance, we’re excited to celebrate the designation of sacred Avi Kwa Ame as a national monument! In March, the Biden Administration chose to honor Avi Kwa Ame, the Mojave name for Spirit Mountain, and protect over 500,000 acres of sacred land in Southern Nevada. This designation is Nevada’s 4th national monument and protects sacred lands for 12 tribes, threatened species, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

This designation came alongside the naming of the Castner Range as a protected place as well.

We are proud to support The Conservation Association grantee SHIFT Monumental and congratulate their advocacy efforts in protecting this landscape! #HonorAviKwaAme

The Castner Range in now a National Monument

Travis Bryant March 27, 2023 1 Conservation, News

Credit Mark Clune

Last week, Castner Range was officially designated as a national monument!

As members of The Conservation Alliance, we’re excited to celebrate major successes in conservation. The protection of the Castner Range represents 50 years of advocacy efforts led by the community in El Paso to make sure this land is protected for its cultural, ecological, and historical values. This new monument protects nearly 7,000 acres of mountainous terrain between majority-Latino city neighborhoods and Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso, Texas.

Thanks to The Conservation Alliance grantees: Nuestra Tierra, Monumental Shift, and Fronterra Land Alliance for your hard work in protecting this landscape for communities, culture, and outdoor recreation. We’re excited to celebrate this success with you.

Successes like this one are one of the key reasons AdventureKEEN is a Conservation Alliance member. You can learn more: https://www.conservationalliance.com/

Four Tips to Help You Slow the Spread of Scary Invasive Species

AdventureKEEN February 24, 2023 1 Advocacy, Conservation, Invasive Species

This weekend wraps up the National Invasive Species Awareness Week for 2023. Here at AdventureKEEN we love North America’s lands and waters and want them to remain resilient to climate change and other biological challenges. It’s very clear, after reading books like Invaders of the Great Lakes, that little sticky seeds and tiny hitchhiking critters can easily upset nature’s balance. The state of New Jersey is even looking to revive its statewide council on battling invasive species. Fortunately with a little bit of awareness and a couple of new habits, we can all help cut back the spread of invasive species.

The term “invasive” is used for aggressive species that grow and reproduce rapidly, displace native species, and cause major disturbance to the areas in which they are present. Invasive species can cause irreversible harm to the environment and the economy and often pose a threat to plant, animal, and human health. The good news is that solutions start at home.

By taking some basic care, you can greatly reduce the risk of spreading invasive species to the places that you love.

Here are a few tips to help do this:

Clean, drain, and dry all watercraft, trailers, and equipment when finished boating or fishing. Comply with watercraft inspection and decontamination requirements.
Clean hiking boots, waders, boats and trailers, off-road vehicles, and other gear between outings.
Avoid dumping aquariums or live bait into waterways.
Volunteer to help remove invasive species from public lands and natural areas.

That last step is a big one, but a great way to plug into and support your local outdoor community. Be sure to check out our friends at the North American Invasive Species Management Association as well as the official National Invasive Species Awareness Week website for more ideas and to join the conversation.