Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Outdoor Tips”
While the wildlife in our neighborhoods, gardens, city parks, and backyards is close and hand and can be fascinating, every nature enthusiast eventually wants to go further afield. Venturing out into new natural places can bring you into contact with new habitats, plants, animals, and much more. Of course, when we stray far from the conveniences of home, it’s worth …
Controlling pests in your garden or yard can be challenging. Chemical treatments to eliminate critters like grubs or aphids can be harmful to pets and children, and tend to be expensive, requiring repeat applications. Planting flowers or herbs that repel some pests can be somewhat effective, but not always reliable. However, there’s another great option for garden pest management that …
Spending time outside has a lot of benefits. It can improve your health, sharpen your mind, relieve stress, and make you feel happier and more resilient. It’s a great way to make friends, see amazing places and wildlife, and adds a new dimension to vacations or other travel. But spending quality time outside is easier said than done. If you’re …
Wildlife tracking is one of the most elusive naturalist skills to learn. Although our oldest ancestors relied on tracking skills to survive, many modern folks have a hard time with it. Unlike birdwatching, where a simple pair of binoculars (and sometimes not even that!) is enough to enjoy dozens of species in an afternoon walk, finding tracks can be a …
Invertebrates like spiders, insects, centipedes, and worms are some of the most abundant and diverse living things on Earth. While many people might find them hard to love, these “creepy-crawlies” help keep our planets ecosystems ticking, making life possible for all of us. Whether you appreciate that or not, running into invertebrates—let’s just call them bugs—is a common way that …
Have you ever kept a nature journal? The nature journal is one of the best tools for naturalists of all experience levels. They are a great place to record your adventures, observations, and reflections on the natural world. If you are someone who enjoys spending time outside, keeping a journal is one way to get more from your outdoor time …
Given the many ways being in nature benefits children, connecting kids with nature is crucial. Research increasingly shows how being outside boosts kids’ mental and emotional well-being while enriching their development. Meanwhile, we are increasingly aware of how younger generations are spending less and less time outdoors. In this Outdoor Tips post, let’s review some strategies for helping kids get …
One of my favorite things about spending time in nature is that there are so many ways to do so. From backpacking to birdwatching to reading a book under a tree, the natural world is unequal for healthy, relaxing recreation. Mindfulness practices in nature are becoming increasingly popular for their many health benefits, especially since the COVID pandemic. As more …
