To Do Outdoors

Forests only cover around 10% of the planet, but the diversity in their ecosystem is unmatched by other biomes. This makes them very important to the planet. The more diversity you have in an ecosystem, the less likely environmental changes are to severely hurt the ecosystem (https://standfortrees.org/blog/forest-facts/). Forests are incredibly interesting, and scientists are learning …

It’s the first day of fall! Get ready to celebrate the season with this list of outdoor and nature activities!  Host a bonfire night – Invite friends or family for a small gathering around the fire pit to share stories, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the crisp evening air. Make your own fall wreaths – Collect …

The Appalachian Trail is an over-2,190-mile footpath stretching from Georgia to Maine, through lush national forests and past waterfalls, over mountains and rough terrain. I didn’t know much about it until I spoke to a friend of mine, who hiked 275 miles of the AT in 22 days, to celebrate and contemplate his recent college …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Summer is not my favorite season. Sure, there’s a lot to love (long daylight hours, cold, refreshing treats, beautiful summer blooms), but when we’re reaching the upper 90’s every day, I’ve had enough.  But another great thing about summer is that the next season is fall. And I love fall. A Sweet Season  It’s not …

In the middle of Massachusetts rests the cozy little village of Shelburne Falls. At first a major salmon-fishing site when the colonists first came to America, Shelburne Falls later becoming a source of waterpower because of the Deerfield River that bisects it. I have a personal connection to the town, as my great-grandparents lived there …

Sometimes life can feel like one hectic schedule after another, and you are always on the go. But if you have a quiet day at home, an afternoon off, or even just an hour of free time, take advantage of the break in your day. You may have to be intentional about it, but there …

One of North Carolina’s greatest attractions in the high country is Grandfather Mountain, the highest peak on the eastern portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Standing at nearly 6000 feet, it is located at the confluence of three counties: Avery, Caldwell and Watauga. This impressive site boasts many attractions, such as its mile-high swinging bridge, …

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 …