Goodbye to Art Lander, who explored Kentucky's natural beauty for 53 years as an outdoors correspondent
In a heartfelt announcement, veteran outdoors writer Art Landers has announced his retirement, effective August 2025. Landers, who has been contributing to the Clabes family publications since 2013, has spent the past five decades chronicling Kentucky's diverse and captivating natural landscapes.
Throughout his illustrious career, Landers has written more than 550 articles, covering a wide array of topics. From the habitats of Kentucky's diverse fish and wildlife species to the management of native walleye and striped bass, Landers' work has provided invaluable insights to readers. His articles have delved into the mysteries of ancient fish species, the threat posed by invasive Asian carp, and the challenges of managing non-native mussels and nuisance rooted aquatic vegetation in lakes.
Landers' passion for the outdoors extends beyond writing. He has spent 23 years as the outdoors staff writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader newspaper, and prior to that, he worked as a staff information specialist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. His career has been as varied as the topics he has covered, demonstrating his dedication to the field.
One of the notable figures Landers has featured in his work is Squire Boone, an explorer and early settler who is a significant figure in Kentucky's history. Another is James A. Henshall, who brought international notoriety to the Kentucky Reel, a handmade casting reel produced in Central Kentucky. Henshall, who spent many years in Northern Kentucky, passed away in Cincinnati in 1925 at the age of 89.
Landers' work has not only educated readers but also brought recognition to Kentucky. He has authored three books and contributed to several others, and throughout his career, he has reviewed a few memorable books.
In his retirement, Landers expressed his gratitude to the Clabes family, biologists with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, for their valuable information and insight. He also thanked his loyal readers for their support over the years.
As Landers embarks on this new chapter, he leaves behind a rich legacy of articles that have covered major reservoirs and small lakes, discussing marinas, boat ramps, and fish species, with tips on how and where to catch them. His work will continue to serve as a valuable resource for those who share his passion for Kentucky's natural wonders.
Citations:
- Clabes Publications. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.clabespublications.com/
- Northern Kentucky Tribune. (n.d.). Contact Us. Retrieved from https://www.nktribune.com/
