I am an independent journalist based in Fort Collins, Colorado, who frequently covers the environment, science, and technology, and also dabbles in legal affairs, politics, culture, and travel. My work has been published by High Country News, Wired, Orion, Miller-McCune, Grist, Fly Fisherman, 5280 Magazine, Mountain Gazette, Earth Magazine, Nature Conservancy, AlterNet, and other print and online publications.
I am currently the green business and technology reporter for the Northern Colorado Business Report. I have previously worked as a staff writer and editor for the Rocky Mountain Bullhorn and Rocky Mountain Chronicle, independent weeklies in northern Colorado.
My reporting has taken me to a Native American bison slaughter ceremony, on scouting missions for the Rainbow Family, inside state prisons, and to the top of a 14,000-plus-foot peak with a world renown climber. Not to mention to more water-policy gatherings and tech-industry after-hours events than I care to count.
Through journalism fellowships, I have learned about international climate policy in Brussels and environmental issues in the Puget Sound. My work has been recognized with awards from the Society of Professional Journalists for environmental and science writing. I am a member of Investigative Reporters and Editors, the National Association of Science Writers, and Society of Environmental Journalists.
Before launching my journalistic career in 2002, I received a master’s degree from the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, and my bachelor’s degree from Emory University in Atlanta. Previous work experiences include documenting rare cacti and endangered grouse habitat, mapping trails and illegal routes in national forests, studying river management on the Yellowstone River in Montana, and dabbling in libertarian environmental-economic research.
When not out in the field with a pad or in front of a computer, I am an opportunistic international traveler, a camping fiend, a novice homebrewer, a bona fide sports nerd, and a napping aficionado.
To contact me, send an email to joshuazaffos [at] yahoo [dot] com.
