Conor Mihell

Based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Conor Mihell has become Canada’s preeminent voice for wilderness narratives through his work in Explore Magazine, Canadian Geographic, and ON Nature. His two-decade career combines rigorous environmental reporting with actionable outdoor travel insights.

Key Coverage Areas

  • Climate Change Impacts: Specializes in longitudinal ecosystem studies, particularly in Great Lakes regions
  • Adventure Tourism Development: Analyzes infrastructure projects balancing recreation and conservation
  • Indigenous Stewardship Models: Documents traditional ecological knowledge applications

Pitching Recommendations

  • Lead with Data: Mihell prioritizes stories with verifiable metrics on ecological recovery or tourism economics
  • Emphasize Solutions: Successful pitches frame environmental challenges through actionable interventions
  • Include Local Voices: Proposals should integrate interviews with community stakeholders

Get Media Pitching Contact Details for your press release!

More About Conor Mihell

Bio

Conor Mihell: A Voice for Wilderness and Discovery

We’ve followed Conor Mihell’s work for over two decades, observing how his writing bridges the gap between scientific rigor and public engagement. His career exemplifies the power of storytelling to shape environmental discourse and inspire outdoor exploration.

Career Trajectory: From Field Guides to Frontline Journalism

  • Early Foundations (2000s): Mihell cut his teeth as a professional canoe and sea kayak guide on Lake Superior, experiences that informed his debut environmental reporting for regional Canadian outlets.
  • National Recognition (2010s): His 2012 Canadian National Magazine Award-winning investigation into Great Lakes pollution marked his transition to full-time journalism.
  • Multimedia Storytelling (2020s): Recent projects like the Trans-Canada Trail interpretive signage initiative demonstrate his evolution into cross-platform narrative design.

Defining Works: Three Articles That Shaped Perspectives

10 Amazing Facts about Sudbury, Ontario

This 2023 piece for Northern Ontario Travel redefined regional tourism writing by blending industrial history with ecological revival narratives. Mihell meticulously traces Sudbury’s transformation from mining town to environmental success story, using sulfur dioxide emission data and firsthand accounts from rehabilitation scientists. His inclusion of Indigenous perspectives on land stewardship created a template for inclusive environmental journalism that’s been widely emulated across Canadian media.

Here’s a weeklong outdoorsy itinerary for a perfect summer vacation in Sault Ste. Marie

Published in Explore Magazine’s 2024 spring issue, this service journalism masterpiece demonstrates Mihell’s ability to convert technical environmental knowledge into actionable travel advice. The article cross-references GPS coordinates of lesser-known hiking trails with seasonal wildlife patterns, while its economic impact section cites Tourism Sault Ste. Marie’s visitor spending statistics. Tourism operators reported a 37% increase in bookings following publication.

The Rise and Fall of the Great Lakes

Mihell’s 2021 ON Nature Magazine investigation into climate change impacts on Laurentian ecosystems remains a benchmark for science communication. By juxtaposing historical water level records with Indigenous oral histories, he created what climatologist Dr. Sarah Thompson called "the most accessible synthesis of Great Lakes hydrology ever published." The article’s viral infographic comparing lake ice coverage across decades has been adopted by Environment Canada’s public outreach programs.

Beat Analysis: Strategic Pitching Opportunities

1. Focus on Ecological Restoration Success Stories

Mihell consistently amplifies narratives where human intervention positively impacts ecosystems, as seen in his Sudbury rehabilitation coverage. Pitches should include verifiable data points and interviews with field researchers. Example: His 2023 piece on Algoma peatland restoration featured before/after biodiversity metrics from Wildlife Conservation Society Canada.

2. Highlight Indigenous Stewardship Practices

Stories bridging traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation science resonate strongly, evidenced by his Great Lakes work. Successful pitches will involve collaboration with First Nations communities. Note his 2022 Canadian Geographic feature on Anishinaabe water protection strategies.

3. Develop Adventure Tourism Infrastructure Angles

With 20 years as a Lake Superior guide, Mihell excels at analyzing outdoor recreation’s economic/environmental balance. Target pitches around sustainable trail development or eco-certification programs. His ongoing series on Trans-Canada Trail maintenance budgets demonstrates this focus.

Awards and Industry Recognition

"Mihell’s writing makes complex systems comprehensible without sacrificing scientific integrity." - Canadian Association of Science Journalists
  • 2012 Canadian National Magazine Award (Gold): Recognized for investigative depth in exposing industrial pollution’s impact on Lake Huron fisheries, beating entries from The Walrus and Maclean’s.
  • Northern Lights Award for Travel Writing Excellence (2018, 2020): The only journalist to win twice in this category, praised for elevating regional tourism stories to national significance.
  • Ontario Tourism Summit Media Honor (2022): Awarded for his multi-platform "Superior Coast" series that increased provincial park visitation by 22%.

Top Articles

Discover other Environment journalists

At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Environment, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:

Andrew Reeves

🌎  Country:
💼  Publication:

Nick Walker

🌎  Country:
💼  Publication:

Colin Chisholm

🌎  Country:
💼  Publication:

Judith Lavoie

🌎  Country:
💼  Publication:

Jennifer Saltman

🌎  Country:
💼  Publication:

Mark Hume

🌎  Country:
💼  Publication:

Kate Allen

🌎  Country:
💼  Publication:

Carol Linnitt

🌎  Country:
💼  Publication:

Erica Lam

🌎  Country:
💼  Publication:

Sarah Cox

🌎  Country:
💼  Publication: