RGS & AWS is proud to announce that its quarterly membership publication, Covers magazine, received multiple national recognitions in 2025, earning top honors from the APEX Awards for Publication Excellence, the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) and the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA).
These awards highlight the continued excellence of Covers in delivering compelling conservation storytelling and high-quality outdoor journalism.
At the 2025 APEX Awards for Publication Excellence, the Spring 2025 issue of Covers received a Grand Award, recognizing outstanding overall quality in editorial content, design and communication.
The magazine also earned First Place in Publishing at the 2025 AGLOW Awards in Craft for the Fall 2024 issue, recognizing excellence in outdoor media production among writers, photographers and publishers throughout the Great Lakes region.
“This publication stands out for its well-written stories covering a range of topics, from practical tips for dog safety and training to profiles highlighting American-made sports heritage products and introspective conservation pieces,” AGLOW judges noted. “This issue highlights the organization’s 2023 Conservation Impact Report, offering readers a clear view of the organization’s nationwide conservation efforts and national-level policy issues.”
Additionally, the Spring 2024 issue of Covers, which celebrated the 10th anniversary of the American Woodcock Society, received two national honors at the 2025 POMA Pinnacle Awards. The issue earned the Magazine Complete – Print Award and the Wildlife Conservation Award, recognizing both its editorial excellence and its impactful conservation messaging.
“These recognitions are a reflection of the dedication our team brings to telling meaningful conservation stories,” said Britney Booth, editor-in-chief of Covers magazine. “At RGS & AWS, our work in the field to improve habitat and support upland wildlife is at the heart of everything we do. It’s especially rewarding to see that mission come to life in the pages of Covers and to have that storytelling honored by our peers in the outdoor communications community.”
The awards celebrate the skill, creativity and dedication required to produce high-quality outdoor media that informs, inspires and connects readers to conservation. These recognitions underscore the commitment of RGS & AWS to advancing forest wildlife conservation while sharing that mission through engaging storytelling and visual media.
To support RGS & AWS’ ongoing efforts to improve forest habitats for future generations and receive Covers magazine quarterly, visit Ruffed.org.
