Ranger's Almanac Logo

The Ranger's Almanac

"Tales from the Trails"

An annual literary journal for stories, poems, artwork, photography, and music from rangers and nature enthusiasts nationwide.

Submission Guidelines

Share your stories, poems, artwork, photographs, or music inspired by any national or state forest or park. No limit on genre, so long as the location serves a prominent role.

Compensation

  • $25 — artwork
  • $10 — music or original audio pieces
  • $5 — poems, photos, or reprints
  • $5 per 500 words for stories

Requirements

  • Short stories: 500–10,000 words
  • PG-13 or below
  • Text: Times New Roman, 12pt, double-spaced
  • Work must relate to a forest or park

Additional Notes

  • Multiple & simultaneous submissions welcome
  • Priority given to current/former park & forest staff
  • Music shared via QR code in final journal

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept horror or fantasy stories?

Yes! We accept almost all genres, including fantasy, horror, science fiction, adventure, suspense, thriller, humor, historical, western, crime, mystery, literary, young adult, romance, historical fiction, alternate fiction, stranger-than-fiction—you name it.

Our only exception is erotica. Please don’t send us any fan-fics of Sasquatch hooking up with Smokey.

…Unless it’s really, really good. However, our tolerance is PG-13.

Can children submit stories?

Absolutely! If we receive enough kid-friendly content, we’ll even include a “Junior Ranger” section in later issues.

Please specify that the submission is intended for children, and note that a parent or guardian must attach a signature to our contract if the piece is accepted.

I have a really neat park near my house that I’d like to write about. Is nonfiction allowed?

Please send us the love you have for your local parks. We’d be thrilled to consider publishing it.

Still have questions? Reach out to us at
rangers.almanac@gmail.com