Hawk in front of trees

Differentiating Birds of Prey

Hawks, falcons, and eagles are three of the most skilled birds of prey. While birders are trained to identify these hunters by their plumage, people who have never experienced watching these birds end up mystified. Telling the difference between a falcon, a hawk, and an eagle is a common problem among many beginners. However, these three have different traits that …

Hiker drinking from water bottle

On The Trail: Water Purification

Water is an essential part of hiking and it is particularly important to stay hydrated while on the trail. When going out into nature, you should always bring a water bottle of some kind, no matter how short the hike. However, if you run out of water or are hiking for an extended time, you will have to find natural …

Woman on path between trees

On The Trail: Protecting Nature

The scope and beauty of nature can be breathtaking and is good for the soul. Hiking is a great way to reconnect with nature and experience its beauty firsthand. But in order to keep the wilderness wild and safe for everyone to enjoy, it is important to protect nature when out on a hike. Anywhere you are hiking or camping, …

Two Adirondack chairs in the woods

Origin of Camping in the U.S.

Camping is a very popular pastime; about 40 million people go camping in the United States every year. This temporary detachment from everyday life is a great way to relax and reconnect with nature. Here is a glimpse into how camping originated in the U.S. and how it grew in popularity. Adirondack Murray The popularization of camping in the United …

Ladybug on green wooden background

Ladybug Self-Defense

Ladybugs are generally known as cute garden bugs who are both harmless to humans and beneficial to gardens. Their classic red and black body pattern makes them the most endearing of insects. Sometimes people even see them as a sign of good luck. However, the color of their wings serves a purpose beyond appearance; it is also a warning to …

Rocky Mountains

U.S. Mountains: Rockies and Appalachians

The United States is a vast and geographically diverse country that is home to several different climatic zones and landforms. There are five main major mountain ranges in the United States, including the Rockies, the Appalachians, the Sierra Nevada Range, the Cascade Range, and the Coast Range. Today we will be taking a look at the Appalachian Mountains and the …

Hiker sitting overlooking lake

On The Trail: Packing Your Bag

One of the most important things when going hiking is to be prepared. Hiking can be a fun, refreshing way to reconnect with nature but it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. It is better to hike with other people instead of on your own and before heading out to the trails, your bag should be packed full …

Two ducks swimming

On the Trail: Water Birds

Birds are beautiful and diverse animals that inhabit nearly every ecosystem on Earth. There are thousands of different species of birds, ranging from the tiniest hummingbird to the vibrant peacock to the 9 ft tall ostrich. In this article, we will explore the world of water birds. These birds have adapted to life in the water through flattened bills, webbed …

Helicopter extinguishing a forest fire

The Forest Fire

Forest fires are devastating natural disasters that can destroy large amounts of land very quickly. Due to their size and the speed at which they can spread, forest fires have been a force of destruction worldwide, most recently in California and Australia. In the U.S., there have been an average of 67,000 wildfires per year over the past 10 years. …

Marshmallow roasting over fire

Bonfire Safety

Bonfires are a classic staple of a fun camping trip; they keep you warm and were the birthplace of s’mores. However, it’s always important to practice good fire safety when you start any kind of fire. Follow these guidelines to stay safe while enjoying your camping trip and roasting marshmallows. Only start fires in a safe environment. Before starting any …