Farewell to Art Lander: After a long journey of 53 years, exploring and documenting Kentucky's natural beauty comes to an end
Retired Outdoor Writer Art Landers Hangs Up His Pen After 53 Years
After a remarkable 53-year career, Art Landers, the retired outdoor writer, has bid farewell to the world of journalism. Landers, who has been contributing to the Clabes family publications since 2013, has left an indelible mark on Kentucky's outdoor writing scene.
Landers' work has been diverse, covering everything from Kentucky’s diverse fish and wildlife species to native trees, reptiles, birds, and more. He has been an advocate for wildlife management issues, such as Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), and has shared valuable insights on seasonal hunting strategies and gear.
During his tenure, Landers has written more than 550 articles for Kentucky Forward and the Northern Kentucky Tribune, focusing on Kentucky's outdoor heritage and natural resource management by biologists of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. His articles often highlighted the outdoor pursuits being covered, but he acknowledges that advancing age and arthritis make it more difficult for him to hunt and fish.
Landers' career was not limited to his work with the Clabes family. He spent 23 years as the outdoors staff writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader newspaper, where he honed his skills in outdoor journalism. Before that, he served as a staff information specialist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Throughout his career, Landers has written three books and contributed to several others. His articles targeted a wide range of topics, including Kentucky's diverse fish and wildlife species and their habitats, native trees, snakes, turtles, nesting birds, invasive and non-native species, forest management, seasonal mowing and planting forage crops, and many more.
One of the notable figures Landers focused on was James A. Henshall, known for introducing America to black bass and the Kentucky Reel. Landers' articles often featured major reservoirs and small lakes, emphasizing marinas, boat ramps, and fish species, with tips on how and where to catch them.
Landers expresses his gratitude towards the Clabes family, biologists with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, and his loyal readers. Although he is retiring from writing about the outdoors in Kentucky, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of outdoor writers.
[1] Art Landers' Contributions to Outdoor Writing in Kentucky [2] Notable Outdoor Writers in Kentucky
- Despite his retirement, Art Landers' contributions to outdoor writing in Kentucky, such as his articles in Northern Kentucky Tribune and Kentucky Forward, will continue to serve as a valuable resource for those interested in the state's natural resources, outdoor-living, and home-and-garden lifestyle.
- Born and raised in Cincinnati, but with a profound connection to northern Kentucky, Art Landers spent a significant part of his career shedding light on the various outdoor-living opportunities available in the region, from sports and recreation to wildlife management and gardening.
- With a rich background in outdoor journalism, spanning over five decades, Art Landers influenced not just the lifestyle of people in Kentucky, but also those in the broader sports community, helping to promote a deeper appreciation for the state's natural wonders.
