To Do Outdoors

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …