Jonathan Olivier
  • About
  • Writing
  • Contact
Picture
The Traiteurs Down the Bayou
The Bitter Southerner | July 2022
Indigenous healers in coastal Louisiana, called traiteurs, face not just physical erosion of their homeland but also the loss of their culture. As medicinal plants fade with climate change, so too do remedies and rituals. Meet the indigenous residents working to save their traditions from washing away.

Picture
En Louisiane, les francophones tremblent d'être emportés
Libération | October 2021
Un mois après le passage de l’ouragan Ida, le défi de  la reconstruction s’annonce immense. Les  habitants autochtones craignent que les catastrophes climatiques à répétition menacent leurs  communautés côtières et soient fatales à une langue déjà en voie de disparition. (Page 6)


Picture
In Louisiana, We're Tired of Being Resilient
The Bitter Southerner | September 2021
Louisianans are recognized for braving natural disasters and preserving against tough odds. In the age of climate change, resiliency won't be enough. But holding industry accountable, coupled with  decisive action, might be. 

Picture
The Pot Thickens
The Bitter Southerner | August 2021
We talk a lot about okra as an essential gumbo ingredient, but do you know the story about filé, finely ground sassafras leaves? Dusty Fuqua is among the people working to keep the filé tradition alive in Louisiana against forces of commercialization, cultural amnesia, and environmental degradation.

Picture
Yard to Table
Country Roads  | February 2021
How the unprecedented challenges of 2020 might perhaps yield a more agrarian future.

Picture
En français, j'ai plus d'ouverture sur le monde
L'Actualité | October 2020
La majorité des Louisianais ont beau voir le monde à travers le prisme d’un Anglo-Américain, des francophones de cet État croient que leur connaissance du français élargit leurs horizons. Et influence leur façon de voter.

Picture
Lâche pas les Langues de la Louisiane
The Bitter Southerner | March 2020
Listed on the "20 Best Stories of 2020"  by the Bitter Southerner

With music, stories, audio recordings, and subheads in English, Louisiana French, and Kouri-Vini, Jonathan Olivier wove together a tapestry of the people of his home region of south Louisiana, “as diverse as a bowl of gumbo.” In a region where it was once forbidden to speak French, he tells a story of resilience, community, and reclamation.

Picture
Medicine in the Wild
Country Roads | March 2020
Country Roads Magazine's top story of 2020

Once a staple of South Louisiana culture, medicinal plants are making a comeback.

Picture
Un potager pour cultiver la francophonie en louisiane
Astheure | December 2019
Le trait d’union entre mon projet de ferme biologique et la journée de la boucherie, c’est bel et bien le rôle joué par nos langues d’héritage que sont le français et le créole. À mon sens, nos traditions ne peuvent pas être séparées de nos langues.

Picture
Catch Blazing Fall Colors on the Fiery Gizzard Trail
Backpacker | October 2019
Step into a riot of gold and red foliage less than two hours from Chattanooga on the Fiery Gizzard Trail in South Cumberland State Park in Tennessee.

Picture
The Dog Days Aren't Over
Country Roads  | September 2019
The Bayou State Rabbit Hunters Federation upholds the declining practice of hunting rabbits with beagles

Picture
The Best Hikes in Every National Park
Outside Magazine | September 2019
We asked the experts--and this is the one trail you can't miss in each of the 61 U.S. National Parks.

Picture
How Ultralight Backpacks Are Becoming Mainstream
Gear Patrol | September 2019
Ultralight has taken the long-distance backpacking world by storm, offering featherweight features at a higher price.

Picture
From Cubicle to Cultivar
Mother Earth News | August/September 2019
Hands-on apprenticeships cultivate opportunities to leave the city and lead an agrarian lifestyle. 

Picture
Native Range
Country Roads | June 2019
Holding fast to their traditions, coastal hunters are taking steps to reverse the loss of hunting lands and decline in game species. 

Picture
"Bitten" Explores a Lyme Disease Conspiracy
Outside Magazine | May 2019
Kris Newby dives deep to unearth a secret history of government cover-ups in the spread of Lyme disease, but her research rests on shaky ground.

Picture
A Race Through the Polar Vortex
REI Co-op Journal | January 2019
Nearly 150 ultramarathoners braved subzero temperatures during the 15th annual Arrowhead 135, which traces through the Northern Minnesota backcountry. 

Picture
Safe Haven
REI Co-op Journal | December 2018
Memphis residents are embracing an outdoors lifestyle by climbing, cycling and paddling to inspire their communities, reduce poverty and lead healthier lives. 

Picture
Karel Sabbe Sets New Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail
REI Co-op Journal | September 2018
Moving at an astonishing pace, the Belgian ultrarunner smashed the previous Fastest Known Time on the AT by more than four days.
 

Picture
Rebuilding America's Trails
REI Co-op Journal | August 2018
​Due to recent legislation, trails on our nation’s public lands are set to get a face-lift with the help of volunteers and private organizations.

Picture
The Best Thru-hikes You've Never Heard Of
Outside Magazine | May 2018
While overcrowding plagues America's most popular trails, there are still places to find solitude.

Picture
Fixing the Appalachian Trail's Overcrowding Crisis
Outside Magazine | March 2018
A group of hired caretakers, called ridgerunners, are working to protect America’s favorite wilderness footpath from the hordes of people who walk it each year.

Picture
​The Solace of the Sierra
REI Co-op Journal | March 2018
​Despite a traumatic brain injury, Sara Fry is exploring the High Sierra in an effort to map more than 8,000 miles of hiking trails.

Picture
How a Runner Named Stringbean Broke Every Appalachian Trail Speed Record
REI Co-op Journal | September 2017
He packed light, pushed through pain, followed Fastest Known Time protocol to a T, and even stopped to enjoy the view. 

Picture
The Crew Building the Next Great American Thru-Hike
Outside Magazine | June 2017
The Great Eastern Trail spans nine states and 1,600 miles just west of the Appalachian Trail, but private landowners, meager funding, and sluggish construction are holding up the completion of America's next big wilderness route.

Picture
The Risk of Lyme Disease on the Appalachian Trail Is Going to Be High This Year
Outside Magazine | April 2017
​
As more hikers take on the 2,190-mile route each year, Lyme disease intensifies its spread across the eastern U.S.​

Picture
​Meet the Appalachian Trail's Most Generous Trail Angel
Outside Magazine | April 2017
Jim Tabor began stashing hand-carved spoons along the AT six years ago as souvenirs for through-hikers. His creations have come to symbolize the generosity of the tight-knit trail community.

Picture
Stealth Mode — The No. 1 Atchafalaya Basin Turkey Hunting Tactic
Louisiana Sportsman Magazine | April 2017
Accessing the turkey woods by boat offers a stealthy approach and an escape from the crowds — and is the perfect solution for tracking down Atchafalaya Basin gobblers.

Picture
Why Is Thomas Gathman Hiking the Appalachian Trail in Winter?
Outside Magazine | February 2016
No one has ever completed the 2,180-mile trail heading southbound and starting in December, but this full-time hiker is trying

Picture
​Outdoor Medicine — How Hunting and Fishing Saved One Young Cancer Patient
Louisiana Sportsman Magazine | August 2015
Young Anna Olinde nearly lost her battle with leukemia — until hunting and fishing gave her something for which to look forward. Now she's on the mend, and loving every minute of her time outdoors.

Picture
Black Bears' Success Means More Hunting Opportunities for Other Species Statewide 
Louisiana Sportsman Magazine | July 2015
Deer, turkey and waterfowl all benefit from increase in quality bear habitat, LDWF says.
© 2021 Jonathan Olivier
  • About
  • Writing
  • Contact