To Do Outdoors

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. Try one of these ideas below — you’ll be able …

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 …

As a recent college graduate in a busy internship and someone who has both generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, being proactive in taking care of myself is crucial. I’m not always the best at it—especially when life is busy and I don’t have a lot of spare time or energy. However, there’s one …

Today is Earth Day, a day set aside each year to help raise awareness of the need to protect our natural resources.  Wondering how to celebrate the day? Here are three easy ideas to get you started:  1. Start a Nature Journal: Sometimes it’s hard to care about something when you don’t know much about …

It’s the first day of spring, and there’s plenty to celebrate this season! Check out the list of special days this spring, then head outside and enjoy!  March 30 is National Take a Walk in the Park day. Spend an hour enjoying a lovely stroll in your favorite park! April 5 is National Walking Day. …

What happens when a dedication to the natural world is right in your own backyard? For my family, we didn’t have to look any further than Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary in Charlotte, N.C. Education, stewardship, sharing, and opportunities for getting together as a community are steeped in Wing Haven’s roots. Back in 1927, …

For many of us, a new year means a little bit more than simply breaking out a new calendar.  It provides an alluring opportunity for a “fresh start” and often stirs within us a surge of motivation to become a better version of ourselves than we were in the year before.  Admittedly, I am a …

It’s the first day of winter! Here are some fun ways you can celebrate the season:  1. Make your own centerpieces from natural materials: pine boughs, cinnamon sticks, pinecones, sprigs of rosemary, or floating cranberries.  2. Take advantage of the abundance of citrus fruits. 3. Go snow-tubing.  4. Take a high-definition photo or use a …

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 …

Pumpkin picking, leaf peeping, getting lost in corn mazes — fall is a season full of outdoor activity. But people aren’t the only ones on the go. Squirrels are busy in the fall, bulking up for the winter with extra food and storing nuts, acorns, and seeds for later. Some of these squirrels appear grey …

Every child is a scientist in the making. Your young one may not grow up to pursue a career in biology or zoology, but scientific discovery and learning are accomplished daily as your child plays in and interacts with all of nature and the great outdoors.  Through tactile exploration, new information is acquired and tested. …

Today is the first day of autumn! Wondering what to do to enjoy the season? Here are 45 ideas to help get you started:  1. Carve a pumpkin and roast the seeds. 2. Go on a hayride. 3. Have a cookout and grill fall vegetables.  4. Make a Thankful Tree.  5. Go camping or campout …

I think one of nature’s finest art pieces are spider webs. 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 …

It’s that time of year! Here are some ways to help get your school year off to a good start!  1. Let the sun wake you up. Read why you should consider it. 2. After the first week of school, bike around your block to relax. 3. In the morning, spend one minute doing jumping …

There are lots of fun activities to do with kids, and some of them are even good for the earth by reducing and reusing. Try one of these ideas next time you have some free time together:        1. Go on a clean-up hike. As you walk along your favorite trail, pick up …

Why wake to the blaring of an alarm clock when you can ease into the morning to the sounds of birds and natural light streaming in your window? Summer’s early sunrise offers me the opportunity to wake up with the sun almost every morning. Before I even open my eyes, I am serenaded by robins, …

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy super moons and meteor showers. Below is a list of some spectacular shows that you don’t want to miss between July and August. Southern Delta Aquariids Radiating from the constellation Aquarius, the Southern Delta Aquariids are visible between July 12 and August 23. The meteor shower was named …

When is the last time you’ve flown a kite?  Does a distant memory from your childhood emerge of a breezy day at the park?  These flowing streaks of fabric in the sky are often  regarded as toys solely for kids, but why is that?  I would like to advocate that adults can (and should) fly …