Every November 17, outdoor enthusiasts across the country lace up their boots for National Take a Hike Day—a perfect excuse to stretch your legs, breathe fresh air, and reconnect with the landscapes that sustain us. It’s a celebration of the outdoors and a reminder of the mental and ...

With Halloween just passed, many households leave their pumpkins or jack-o-lanterns outside for the remainder of the fall season. Watching a jack-o-lantern sag at our doorstep can be unsightly, a reminder of past costumes and trick or treaters. If we shift our mindset to one of curiosity, this ...

For centuries, aquatic plants in Chautauqua Lake have sparked debate – usually over whether to remove them or leave them alone, but rarely about planting more. Many lake users believe there are already too many plants, especially invasive ones, a perception not without reason given the ...

Fall is in full swing now and it is a treat. Leaves turn from green into bright reds, oranges, and yellows before falling to the ground, leaving the most satisfying crunch when stepped on. A unique seasonal smell of burning wood and spices fills the air. As the trees become bare, a holiday ...

This might be a little controversial, but it’s been on my mind for a while. I was recently sitting in my backyard with my friend Mackenzie beneath the coverage of the 200+ trees that surround my home. We started talking about invasive trees, and I found myself asking her a question I’ve ...

When someone says they’re stuck in ‘a rut,’ our minds jump to a problem that needs to be fixed. However, when a nature enthusiast or hunter mentions ‘the rut,’ our minds think of deer. The rut happens throughout a span of weeks, peaking in late autumn, where male deer, called ...