People at beach with sunscreen

Summer Safety: Staying Safe in the Sun

The summer months bring with them excitement, fun outdoor activities, and of course camping! But while you’re enjoying the swimming, hiking, and picnicking, don’t forget to look out for your health as well. The summer sun can be intense and even dangerous if you’re not properly prepared for it. This series of blogs offers tips and advice for staying hydrated …

Tea kettle sitting on campfire

Camping Food Safety

When camping, it can be fun to enjoy the warm weather and great views by cooking and eating outside. Cooking your meals over a bonfire is one of the great joys of camping. However, it’s important to stay safe when handling food, as foodborne bacteria prefer hot weather as well. Roughing it outdoors shouldn’t mean throwing all caution to the …

People roasting marshmallows over campfire

Treating Burns While Camping

When camping in the wilderness, there’s the possibility of getting injured due to extreme temperatures. It’s important to prepare for any conditions you may encounter when camping or hiking since there may not be medical care easily available. Staying out in the sun for too long can lead to heat stroke or heat exhaustion while staying too long in the …

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 …

Ladybug on wooden green 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …