Quick Key Facts What Is ‘Wilderness Hiking’? Wilderness hiking is an escape from developed areas into the healing vastness of nature. On a trek through the forest you can expect to experience peace, wonder and awe — all of which are great for the body and mind. Taking a backpack and venturing into the woods […]
In 1968, the U.S. government passed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, designating the first eight free-flowing rivers as protected — the Rio Grande, Rogue, Clearwater, St. Croix, Eleven Point, Idaho’s Salmon and Wolf Rivers. Today, there are 226 wild and scenic rivers and streams covering more than 13,4000 miles in the national Wild and […]
Quick Key Facts What Is ‘Birding’? Birding is the act of observing and identifying birds in the wild as a form of recreation. This can range from taking note of all the birds who visit a backyard feeder, or traveling across the country to try to see more U.S. bird species than anyone else in […]
The National Park Service recently announced that next year, visitors to Yosemite National Park in California will need to reserve their entry for several spring and fall visits and all peak summer visits to aid with congestion. The pilot reservation system will be similar to the “Peak Hours” reservation system used in 2022, which required […]
One of the easiest and most rewarding activities for an amateur astronomer is stargazing, especially when there is a dazzling meteor shower. This week, the Geminids meteor shower — famous for its colorful streaks of light — is visible around the world during the predawn and night hours. “The Geminids meteor shower, which peaks during […]
If you’re looking to get away from the rushed routine of modern life, these four car-free towns, each with its own languid pace, might be just for you. Halibut Cove, Alaska Alaska is a land of unspoiled wilderness and abundant wildlife. If there is going to be a human community there, it makes sense for […]
During the short, cold winter days, it’s even more important to care for your mind and body by getting outside. Hiking and camping are completely possible in the winter with the right preparation, but a short walk in a park to enjoy the winter scenery is just as beneficial. Here’s how to prepare — and […]
Quick Key Facts What Is a ‘Nature Reserve’? Nature reserves are large areas of land that have been set aside to protect and preserve natural habitat and ecosystems for common, rare and endangered animal and plants species and their natural processes. Designating areas to be protected from human development ensures everyone will have access to […]
The best way to experience what our planet was like before modern humans began to dramatically change the landscape is to go where the wilderness is. There are more than 200,000 protected areas across the globe that, as of mid-2021, covered 16.64 percent of the land and 7.74 percent of oceans. These national parks exemplify […]
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