To Do Outdoors

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 …

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 …