Mike Waltman

Conservation communications

Strategic planning, science communication, and content development.

Mike Waltman kayaking on the water
Selected work

Communications and writing

01 / Hypothetical communications case study

Florida’s Coral Reef & BleachWatch 2027

An independent project examining communications for Florida’s coral-reef program, including a proposed campaign to recruit recreational divers for BleachWatch observer training.

Explore the case study ↗

Independent portfolio project. Not affiliated with, commissioned by, or endorsed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

02 / Published environmental reporting

Can we protect ocean ecosystems and support thriving fishing and ocean energy industries, too?

Originally published in Ensia (University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment) · Reporting on marine protection, fisheries, and offshore energy in Ireland.

Read reprint at The Good Men Project ↗

Can forest expansion balance climate change, economic growth and ecological health?

Originally published in Ensia (University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment) · Reporting on forest expansion, commercial forestry, and ecological restoration in Ireland.

Read reprint at Ground Truth ↗

Human-Wildlife Conflict Can Take Steep Toll on Education

Earth Island Journal · Reporting on human-wildlife conflict in Ghana and its effects on children’s education.

Read at Earth Island Journal ↗
Background

Writing and coastal connection.

My background combines environmental reporting, ocean lifeguarding, and sea-kayak guiding. I’ve researched and written about conservation issues in different parts of the world, while my work outdoors has kept me connected to coastal environments and communities.

Field experience

Interpreting the natural world.

While guiding kayak tours in northeast Florida, I used environmental interpretation to help visitors understand estuary ecology, wildlife, tides, and local history. These two TripAdvisor reviews reflect my ability to make environmental knowledge accessible and engaging for visitors of different ages and backgrounds.

TripAdvisor review from Linda L praising knowledge of estuary science, geography and local history on a multigenerational kayak tour

“Mike was thoroughly prepared to surprise and delight paddlers aged 9-74…”

Linda L described a three-generation outing, highlighting the science, geography, and history shared during the tour.

View full original review ↗
Guest review · March 2026
TripAdvisor review from J M mentioning the guide's explanations of ecology, estuary wildlife, tides, plants and local history

“…very knowledgeable about the ecology, estuary, tides, plants, wildlife…”

J M highlighted the guide’s explanations of estuary ecology, wildlife, and regional history during a half-day kayak excursion.

View full original review ↗
Guest review · February 2026

Reviews for Ripple Effect Ecotours. See original reviews ↗

For opportunities or project inquiries, get in touch.

Contact ↗