5 min read

The Centennial Issue

A major milestone for the Lukas Guides Newsletter!
David Lukas working on newsletter
Hard at work on another story. Photo by David Lukas

Wow, I can hardly believe it—this is the 100th issue of the Lukas Guides Newsletter. This has turned into such an amazing project, and you have made it all possible by joining me on this exciting adventure!!!

When I started the Lukas Guides Newsletter two years ago, I had absolutely no idea how things would unfold. I had already spent two years researching newsletter platforms, and the logistics of starting a newsletter, but stalling because I was so nervous about taking the plunge. I'm glad I finally did it!

My original goal was simple: I wanted to share fascinating nature stories and build community around a shared passion for these kinds of stories, but the results have far exceeded my hopes and dreams.

David Lukas leading a walk
Studying springtails on a forest ecology walk. Photo by Jade Wolff

The level of support the newsletter has received, including people signing up for paid subscriptions and making generous donations, has been astounding. Because of this support and many other factors, the newsletter has grown into something that's both sustainable and deeply rewarding.

David Lukas in nature
Working on stories for the newsletter is a great pleasure. Photo by David Lukas

Over the past 100 issues we've covered an astonishing range of topics from anal combs to puma patches, film skaters to satellite males. We've also focused on language topics and introspective ideas like the gender of animacy. I was going to highlight a few of my favorite topics here, but as I scroll through past issues, I'm discovering that I love every single story we've covered!

water strider
Writing about film skaters. Photo by David Lukas

Personally, I measure the newsletter's success by the community and conversation we're creating together. And the amount of correspondence and positive feedback the newsletter receives is incredible. I literally spend at least an hour a day responding to emails and comments that the newsletter generates, and one of the great joys of these conversations is reconnecting with old friends and hundreds of people I've met on the trail or in my talks and classes over the years.

David Lukas leading a walk
Discussing soil formation on a forest ecology walk. Photo by Jade Wolff

While the newsletter is still a shoestring effort that barely breaks even, an unexpected surprise of the newsletter is that it supports itself in other ways. For instance, I give dozens of Zoom talks every year to help promote the newsletter and reach new audiences, and those talks often pay a small fee while also attracting new subscribers.

David Lukas giving talk
Giving a winter ecology talk at the local library. Photo by Jade Wolff

However, I didn't anticipate that the newsletter would lead to other paying gigs such as speaking to writing groups and college classes. And even better, the newsletter has led to incredible opportunities to write interpretive signs for places like Denali National Park, Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge, Hells Canyon, and Sierra National Forest.

David Lukas amid flowers
My way of telling stories is to merge exhaustive research with personal experiences in nature. Photo by Jade Wolff

The newsletter always surprises me. Some weeks, I don't know what topic I'll be covering until I sit down and start writing. Topics that get me excited might receive little feedback, while other topics that I feel are mediocre can trigger an avalanche of positive feedback and shared stories.

David Lukas recording nature sounds
I'm always looking for stories that will spark your imagination. Photo by David Lukas

On the flip side, one huge challenge I face is how much time it takes to produce two newsletters every week (I also write a neighborhood newsletter that follows the changing seasons). It leaves me little time for even a quick walk and planning a longer outing or adventure is almost impossible. There has to be a better balance because I need more time in nature, and I apologize in advance because I may occasionally skip a newsletter or two while traveling in search of inspiration and new ideas.

working at the desk
I love reading about and researching stories, but it means spending tons of time at my desk. Photo by David Lukas

Looking ahead to the new year, and the next 100 issues of the newsletter, here are my top three goals:

I want to travel. Every night I go to bed studying maps, field guides, hiking books, and travel guidebooks to places all over the world. There are so many fascinating places and stories I want to learn about and share with you so I'm making this a priority.

David Lukas studying the natural world
More than anything else, I love getting out and looking for stories in nature. Photo by David Lukas

I want to get back to making videos. I've already posted ~100 videos on my YouTube channel, and I miss making videos, but I put this on hold for two years in order to get the newsletters off the ground. Thanks to your generous contributions and support, I built out a new space over the past few weeks so I can begin making videos that help tell stories from the newsletter.

I want to reach more people. These newsletters are a gem, and I know people are hungry for these stories, but how do I find these audiences?! Through word of mouth and Zoom presentations I reach a handful of new people every week but there are many, many more people out there. I will be working on this every day, but please lend a hand if you know of any people or organizations who would enjoy the newsletter or a presentation.

David Lukas leading walk
Here I am sharing stories in a nature journaling workshop. Photo by Jade Wolff

Finally, I want to acknowledge that your feedback and support, whether you're a paid subscriber or simply following along for free, has made this all possible. The newsletter has become an incredible project and it's only going to get bigger. Here's to the next one hundred issues and thank you again for being part of this adventure!

Over the past two years, your paid subscriptions and generous donations have enabled me to focus full time on the newsletter and create awesome content. Please consider helping out because every contribution, big or small, makes a big difference!