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Bears have long been known as symbols of strength and courage. Despite this, these animals can be dangerous when encountered in the wild, especially when someone is unaware of how to properly avoid or handle an encounter with them. Below are common misperceptions about bears, how to avoid them, and advice about what to do in a bear encounter.  Always discuss bear safety with experts in the …

Any time you tie something in your daily life, such as your shoelaces or a trash bag, you are tying a knot to secure something. It is easy to recognize that different knots are meant for different weights or uses. The same goes for those necessary in the outdoors. These knots become even more important …

It’s the first official day of summer, which means longer days, warmer temperatures, and endless ways to get outside and explore. Whether you’re heading into the woods, staying close to home, or just stepping into your backyard, here are some simple ways to welcome summer: Pack a picnic and eat somewhere you’ve never been before. …

When the weather begins to warm up, turtles are on the move. They may be searching for food or mates. Many of these turtles are females looking for nesting sites to lay their eggs. What should I do if I see a wild turtle? The best thing you can do when you find a turtle …

In Chatham County, North Carolina, lies a nearly 14,000-acre reservoir known as B. Everett Jordan Lake. It is loved by campers, hikers, boaters, fishermen, and general admirers of nature alike. Built as a flood control effort and completed in 1974, it now serves as a main water source for multiple surrounding towns and cities, and …

Welcome, Spring! Since the time has changed and the days are getting longer, here are some ways you can use the extra daylight to enjoy time outdoors:  1. Lay outside on a quilt outside and look for shapes in the clouds. 2. Before leaf cover appears, take the opportunity to use binoculars and see how …

This time of year, I find myself playing a scavenger hunt of sorts when I’m in the car, searching for bright tufts of green in otherwise bare trees of winter. For some strange reason, it brings me great joy to find our favorite holiday parasite boldly displaying itself high in the trees for all to …

It’s the holiday season, which means lots of sparkly lights, colorful packages, and pinecones! If you haven’t noticed them before, you’re sure to see them now – on wreaths, in baskets, as ornaments and centerpieces. But besides adding to the holiday cheer, pinecones have an important job. They protect the pine tree seeds from cold, …

Thanksgiving is a great time for families to come together and celebrate. Many families follow similar traditions: cooking and baking in the morning, enjoying a big meal around midday, taking a nap, and then heading outside for a game of football, volleyball, or another outdoor activity. While the meal and rest are always highlights, the …

If someone were to ask you to name an animal that hibernates, you’d probably say “a bear.” But for many years, some people did not consider them true hibernators. When animals such as chipmunks and ground squirrels hibernate, their body temperatures drop drastically. A bear’s body temperatures does not decrease nearly as much. And, unlike …

Did you know there’s a way to celebrate Thanksgiving all month long? Not only is it easy to do, but it helps bring everyone’s attention back to the things that matter most. Create a Thankful Tree with your family or class! Supplies Roll of brown bulletin board paper, butcher paper, or packaging paper Red, yellow, …

The air is crisp, leaves are turning, and nature is calling! Fall is the perfect season to get outside with family and enjoy all the beauty this time of year offers. Here are some fun ideas to make the most of autumn.   Outdoor Adventures:   Go for a scenic hike and enjoy the vibrant …

Whether you’re gardening, hiking, or walking a forest trail, it can be difficult to tell the difference between poison ivy and Virginia creeper. One is harmless, while the other will cause a nasty rash. Both poison ivy and Virginia creeper grow in wooded areas, along forest edges and trails, and in urban areas, which means …

Dusk is the period after the sun sets, but before the sky goes completely dark. During dusk, you can see the sky gradually darkening, people retreating indoors, and the streetlights coming on. If you are outside during this time, you will see that some animals are just waking up. You probably know that nocturnal animals …

Want to try rock climbing, but don’t know where to begin? Rock climbing takes strength, patience, and skill, but it is a great way to experience nature from a whole new viewpoint. There is a lot to learn before you take a shot at scaling a mountain face. Indoor Climbing There are many specific skills …

Do you enjoy eating fruits and vegetables or getting flowers for special occasions? Well, you can thank bees for that. They may not understand the value of personal space, but bees are some of the most important pollinators in the world. And there isn’t just one type of bee buzzing around. There are more than …

Constellations are groups of stars that form shapes. These recognizable shapes are usually named after people, animals, or objects. Constellations were used by Greeks, Babylonians, and Egyptians as a guiding compass and map of the sky, telling people what direction they were going. Since certain constellations only appear during specific times of the year, farmers …

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 …