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Have you ever wanted to be an archaeologist or paleontologist, or to discover precious stones? This week, I interviewed two of my dear friends, Davis and Tyler, about their hobbies of fossil-hunting and gem mining! Below are some of their best stories and tricks of the trade. Finding Fossils  Davis learned to hunt for fossils …

There are many ways to have fun in nature. Some of my favorite childhood memories involve creating projects from objects found in nature. Making something new out of natural materials can be a great way to learn more about the nature that surrounds you, while at the same time allowing you and your family to …

Insects don’t communicate in the way that humans do, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t have their own language. As a child, I was obsessed with watching fireflies glow, which made me question the reason they glow. When I learned that fireflies flash in order to communicate with other fireflies, I began to wonder …

On warm summer nights, when the sunset fades and the crickets and night birds begin their chorus, it is the perfect time to look up at the stars. Stargazing has been a well-loved pastime for millennia, and with good reason. The stars and planets in their neat arrangement, along with the moon in its phases, hold …

There are many edible plants in the Southeastern United States, and foraging for them can be great fun, if you know what to look for. It’s also handy to have a back-pocket list of edible plants and how to spot them, for camping trips or other excursions when you might want a snack! Here is …

Are you curious to see more of the creatures who live in your area? Are they usually shy, remaining out of sight? Check out some of these creature hospitality crafts! These projects will provide helpful resources to some of your local critters, and hopefully enable you to get a better glimpse of them in the …

One of my favorite spots to be outside is Falls Park in Greenville, SC. Falls Park is a beautiful green area in the middle of downtown. The park features beautiful waterfalls, gorgeous stone paths, and amazing plant life. It also has an incredible suspension bridge that allows people to look over the edge for an …

There’s nothing more satisfying than standing by the edge of a pond or a lake, surrounded by fishing gear and tackle, slinging a line into the water and waiting for a fish to bite. I can still remember when I learned to cast a fishing line; I was no older than seven. My dad handed …

When you walk outside, you’re bound to hear leaves rustling and branches creaking in the wind. It may sound like the trees are communicating to one another. However, trees actually talk to each other in ways that humans are unable to hear and even see.  Fungal Foundations One way trees communicate is through a fungal …

Today marks the first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, also known as the summer solstice – the longest day of the year. It occurs around June 20, 21, and 22, when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is most inclined towards the sun; because of this, the sun reaches its highest point in …

As a kid, one of my favorite camping or hiking activities was to go geocache hunting. For those who are not familiar, a geocache is a box or container hidden in a public space, containing family-friendly trinkets to trade and a logbook to sign. You can take something from the cache, as long as you …

Nature journaling is a wonderful practice for people of all ages. It sharpens our curiosity and our skills of observation, drawing, and writing, all while we soak in the beauty of the outdoors. Nature journals can be anything from sketchbooks to detailed diaries about the birds, plants, animals, and other things we see around us, …

Imagine it’s a warm summer day and you’re sitting on the soft, green grass as a gentle breeze blows through the air. You can hear birds chirping, calling out to each other as leaves rustle in the breeze. You watch as squirrels chase each other up, down, and around the trees. Think about the mood …

Now that you’ve started your garden, here are some tips and tricks to further boost your plants’ growth. These will help you keep your garden healthy while also saving time, money and energy! Banana Peel Water Instead of throwing out banana peels, cut them up and put them in a cup with some warm water. …

You’ve probably seen a gray squirrel scurrying around on trees and digging for acorns.  You may have seen a squirrel running into the middle of the road, darting this way and that, until it finally decides to cross. Most likely, you didn’t pay it much attention. However, in North Carolina or Kentucky, this little animal …

Starting and Maintaining a vegetable garden can be a great activity to keep your kitchen stocked with fresh, organic vegetables. It’s also a great way to spend time with friends and family. But… how does one start a garden? Here are some tips to get your garden started and help it thrive! 1. Location Plan …

It’s the first day of spring! Wondering how to celebrate the season? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered!  Make your own spring tonic soup using edible, organic plants. Watch a penumbral lunar eclipse on March 25. Choose an outdoor-themed book to read (check out our reading list for suggestions).  Spend an hour enjoying a stroll …

Are you looking for an exciting and beautiful destination to journey to for the start of the new year? Look no further than the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! These mountain peaks are stunning at any time of year, including winter.  The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the #1-visited national park in the U.S …

Today marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year — the winter solstice!  It also serves as the official ushering in of winter. Here are some things you can do to celebrate this chilly season.  Go on a Hunt  Bundle up your family and go on a winter scavenger hunt! Fewer leaves …

Few plants remind us of the south like Magnolia trees, with their massive cream blossoms and heady, sweet aroma. If you’ve spent much time in the south at all, you’ve probably seen some of these trees, but how much do you actually know about them? Range The Southern Magnolia (scientific name: magnolia grandiflora, also known …