Blog

Hiking and camping are two of the Carolinas’ most popular outdoor activities, thanks to the area’s many hiking trails, scenic mountains, and beautiful, well-maintained campsites. These activities are great ways to experience nature up close and personal, but it’s important to be prepared, which includes staying hydrated.  Before You Go Hiking up and down the …

The Buck Moon, also known as July’s supermoon, is the full moon that appears in the month of July. A supermoon occurs when a full moon is at its closest point to the Earth during its orbit. This closeness makes the moon appear brighter and more intense, hence the name.  Rooted in Tradition Every month …

There are many ways to soak up the sun. If you’re tired of staying cooped up inside the house, here’s an idea: dance. The best thing about dancing is that you don’t need any equipment – just your body and something to help you stay hydrated. Depending on the weather, you may need to wear …

Growing up in Louisiana, I loved spotting lizards in my backyard – the more interesting and colorful the better. I’d find large green anoles, spotted geckos, and slender glass lizards, which I often mistook for snakes. But the most evasive and exciting discovery was the five-lined skink, named for its five yellow or cream-colored stripes …

Journaling is an effective way to keep track of thoughts and emotions. It helps you express yourself, but it is also good for reflecting on the past and the potential actions of the future. Journaling during a full moon night is a beneficial way to wrap up one day and prepare yourself for the next …

Have you ever wanted the superpower to be invisible–to hide in plain sight? While whip-poor-wills are not exactly invisible, they have an almost supernatural reputation. At one time, you couldn’t go outside at dusk or dawn during the summer without hearing the unique, undulating call of the whip-poor-will, which is where they get their name. …

Summer has officially begun, and that means longer days, warmer weather—and the perfect excuse to splash around outdoors. Here are some ideas to get you started: Go swimming. Check around to find the swimming spots near you. Besides a pool, some other places to consider are a lake at a state park or a swimming …

You’ve surely heard chirping during warm summer days and nights, but do you wonder what, or who, is actually causing that sound? Most people assume that crickets are the only chirpers making noise during the summer, but cicadas and tree frogs are fans of the heat too. Although these creatures make similar sounds, they have distinct …

From sunny meadows to woodland edges, summer in the Southeastern United States bursts into color with a wide variety of native wildflowers. Below are some favorite flowers you might spot during these warmer months:    1. Black-eyed Susan  What they look like: Bright golden yellow petals and a dark brown center Where to find them: …

I think one of nature’s finest art pieces are spiderwebs. When I’m outdoors, I’ve made it a habit to go on a scavenger hunt to see how many webs I can spot in a day. Until recently, I thought all webs had the same pattern; they actually vary depending on the spider spinning the silk. …

Looking for a simple way to reconnect with nature, get some fresh air, and make lasting memories? National Trails Day is the perfect opportunity! Created by the American Hiking Society, National Trails Day is held the first Saturday in June. This nationwide celebration encourages families and individuals to step outside and enjoy the trail systems …

The Eastern bluebird is a small, bright songbird known for its vivid colors and sweet, warbling call. Male Eastern bluebirds are easy to recognize with their brilliant royal blue on the back and head and warm reddish brown on the throat and chest. Females are grayer and duller than the males. Eastern Bluebirds live across …

Today is Earth Day—a day to celebrate the beauty of our planet and take steps to care for it. Here are five fun and meaningful ways to mark the day: 1. Plant Something TogetherWhether it’s a tree, a native wildflower, or a vegetable seed in a pot, planting something is a hands-on way to care …

Spring is finally here! With longer days and warmer weather, there’s no better time to step outside. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of creativity, here are 50 ways to make the most of spring. Take a Walk in the Park – March 30th is “Take a Walk in the Park” Day. …

Worm towers. At first glance, the idea might make you squirm. But if you garden—at any scale—these worm towers could be a game changer for your soil’s health. Vermicomposting is the practice of using worms to expedite the natural breakdown of organic materials that eventually gets turned into compost. It’s a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to …

Many homeowners in the U.S. have grass lawns. They look pretty and add a nice, clean aesthetic to a house. Besides, grass is natural—why wouldn’t you have one? Well, there are a few key issues that are not only hurting the planet but hurting you as a grass lawn owner as well. Let’s dive into …

Spring comes each year with a predictable rhythm. Are your children or students feeling the drumbeat of its approach? Rather than letting spring fever take over, channel their excitement into observation of the outdoors. If you have a consistent commute with kids in the car, begin by pointing out the blooming flowers, shrubs, and trees …

Before all the spring vegetation grows back, why not go on a hunt for animal burrows? You don’t even have to go into the woods – burrows can often be found in backyards and around buildings, too! A burrow is a hole or tunnel that an animal digs for security. It might consist of simple, …

Winter is the perfect time to explore nature in a new way. A scavenger hunt is not only a fun activity, but it’s also a chance to learn about the environment. But before you head outside, check out these tips for a successful hunt:  Dress Warmly: Layers, hats, gloves, and boots will keep everyone cozy. …

Imagine a tiny creature silently gliding through the forest under the cover of darkness, moving effortlessly from tree to tree. Meet the southern flying squirrel, an animal known for its amazing gliding skills and nimble maneuvers through the treetops. The southern flying squirrel is one of two flying squirrels found in North America and the …