Kevin Gepford | Conservation Journalist
I’m a journalist focused on conservation, ecosystems, and endangered species. My current keystone project is a narrative nonfiction book on something I’m super passionate about — tortoises. I’m bringing original field reporting from the deserts, islands, and jungles tortoises call home, weaving their lives, and the lives of the people fighting to save them, into a narrative shaped by travel, climate science, deep time, and the long arc of natural and human history, written for readers drawn to global journeys, natural history, and lives dedicated to saving animals.
I began my writing career as a newspaper reporter and editor, which led me to the Columbia University School of Journalism where I earned my master’s.
That experience changed everything. I fell in love with New York City — which surprised me. I decided to stay. However, good journalism jobs were hard to find. This also surprised me…. although it probably shouldn’t have. I was saved by a lucky break that opened the door to many wonderful years working on the creative and marketing side of the television entertainment industry.
The day finally came when I realized that my love for NYC had dimmed. The West Coast beckoned. I made Portland, Oregon, my new home — and returned to writing about things I care about: conservation, ecosystems, and endangered species. Reporting for this book has taken several years and led me to some surprising places around the globe, including the Galápagos Islands, Aldabra atoll, Kenya, South Africa, Bangladesh, the island of St. Helena, and others. Read about my tortoise adventures on my blog.
My book is under contract with WW Norton & Company and is scheduled for release in 2027.
Memberships:
National Association of Science Writers (NASW)
Northwest Science Writers Association (NSWA)