Category: Outdoors

How To Celebrate Earth Day As A Family

April 17, 2025Megan HerrenAdvice, Outdoors

Protecting the planet is a year-round responsibility, and that obligation is emphasized each April 22 when the world celebrates Earth Day. In 1969, an oil spill in California killed thousands of sea animals and contributed to significant ocean pollution. This environmental disaster inspired Gaylord Nelson and Denis Hayes to establish Earth Day in 1970 as a global event to raise awareness about environmental issues.

Every year around a billion people are motivated to protect the planet for Earth Day. Families can work together to do their part in protecting the environment. Here are some ways families can commemorate Earth Day together.

Clean up the Neighborhood

Families can work together to make their neighborhoods cleaner. Litter in streets or parks can end up in waterways after being carried into storm drains by rain or wind, according to the Marine Debris Program. A 2016 report from the United Nations found that nearly 50 percent of cetacean and seabird species have ingested litter. Picking up litter from local neighborhoods is a relatively easy way for families to do their part on Earth Day.

Walk and Bike More

Families can learn about their carbon footprints and how their lifestyle choices affect the environment. One way to cut down on carbon emissions is to walk or bike to school and to skip the car whenever possible.

Visit a Local Park or Wildlife Habitat

Families can experience the beauty of nature and be reminded about humankind’s responsibility to protect habitats and wildlife at a park, sanctuary or wildlife area. When visiting, it’s important to stick to trails and remain mindful of leaving no trace behind.

Create Reusable Bags

Individuals can turn old T-shirts and other clothing into reusable cloth shopping bags. There are no-sew project instructions online that offer tips about how to repurpose old clothing that is no longer worn into something Earth-friendly.

Plant More Greenery

It doesn’t have to be a tree, but families can visit a garden center to purchase seeds, seedlings or full-grown shrubbery to enhance their landscapes with more Earth-friendly plants. CO2METER, a carbon dioxide monitoring website, says plants and trees, combined with oceans, remove about 45 percent of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activities each year. A typical hardwood tree can absorb as much as 48 pounds of CO2 per year.

Embrace Locally Grown Foods

Families can plan meals together that feature in-season foods purchased at a local organic farmer’s market.

Earth Day is a time when families can work together to help protect and preserve the planet.

Attract Winged Friends With These Bird Feeders

February 20, 2025Megan HerrenAnimals, Outdoors

Birds are beautiful creatures that can make a lawn and garden feel even more serene. Providing snacks to supplement what birds naturally find in the wild guarantees up close and personal interactions with the scores of species that call neighborhoods home.

Bird feeders are particularly important in colder climates and during wintertime when food may be scarce. Keeping birds well fed helps them survive over winter and continue to repopulate in the spring. Bird feeding isn’t all for the birds, either. Ashley Dayer, an associate professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech, argues that feeding birds also is a benefit to humans because it stimulates compassion for the animals.

The type of bird feeder a person places in the yard determines which species may be drawn to the property. The following are various types of feeders to consider.

Suet Feeders

Suet cakes are high-energy food sources that attract birds like woodpeckers and nuthatches. They are particularly beneficial in colder months or regions where birds need extra fat for energy. These cage-like feeders snap around the rectangular suet cake and hang from a pole or tree.

Ground Feeder

Ground feeders are simple screen-bottomed trays that sit several inches off of the ground or on a deck to help keep seeds and grain from coming in contact with droppings. Ground feeders are a favorite of juncos, sparrows, goldfinches, and cardinals, among others.

Sugar Water Feeder

These feeders come in different shapes, from tubes to round dishes, and are magnets to hummingbirds. They typically have red coloring to be more attractive to those high-speed flyers.

Nyjer Bird Feeder

Small birds like goldfinches love to dine on nyjer seeds, which are tiny, black thistle seeds. These feeders are tube-shaped mesh socks designed to hold this specific seed. The small feeding ports prevent seed waste and cater to the small beaks of finches.

Hopper Bird Feeder

These are the feeders many people think of when they envision bird feeders. Hopper bird feeders hold a large amount of seed and often have a roof or a design that mimics a house or barn. The covered design helps to keep seeds dry and might be the best hanging feeder for people who live in areas with a lot of rain. Hoppers will attract blue jays, grackles, cardinals, and blackbirds.

Tube Feeders

Tube feeders will attract an array of birds. They are cylindrical in shape with various ports to enable birds to perch and feed.

Window and Smart Bird Feeders

These types of bird feeders attach to windows to allow homeowners to view the birds up close. Smart varieties have cameras on the feeders that will send a feed via an app to a smart phone or computer. Some even may identify the bird species on the feeder at any given point in time.

Bird feeders provide enjoyment for bird watchers and nutritious food various species.

The Basics Of Hunting Seasons

September 5, 2024Megan HerrenAnimals, Hunting, Outdoors

Hunting has been around a long time. According to Britannica, hunting as many know it today began in ancient Greece. Various game were hunted to provide food, fuel and materials to make clothing and blankets. In the Middle Ages, hunting was the privilege of nobility and linked to land ownership. Hunting is now strictly regulated in many countries and is typically used as a way to control wildlife populations that would otherwise overrun certain areas.

Hunting limits and clearly defined hunting seasons are often spelled out in detail in local hunting laws. Wildlife commissions across states, provinces and territories set up strict time periods that govern which game can be hunted. Legislation also dictates size limits and the amount of game that can be killed. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission breaks down hunting seasons into big game, waterfowl, small game, and webless migratory game birds. Seasons vary depending on where hunters live.

The hunting education resource Hunter-Ed says hunting seasons are determined by the type of animal, the environment and animal characteristics like mating season. Wildlife biologists in various regions study animal populations and make recommendations on hunting seasons. “Open season” is when a species may be legally hunted, and tends to coincide with when the population of that species is at its highest, without interfering with breeding times.

Many hunters eagerly await “opening day” so they can start their hunting right away. The season is “closed” when hunters are no longer allowed to go after that game. Food shortages, extreme temperatures and low population numbers may affect season duration. Archery seasons tend to begin before firearm seasons in many states. Hunting outside of seasons is known as poaching and is punishable by law.

Turkey is typically hunted in the spring or fall. Migratory waterfowl hunting tends to open in late September and early October. The seasons to hunt deer, and their close cousins like caribou, moose and reindeer, open in late September and early October, continuing into November for firearms hunting. However, according to the hunting guide CleverHunters.com, deer seasons open up in the summer in Florida, South Carolina and Idaho.

Hunters will be required to obtain a hunting license. At the time of licensure, hunters also may be given tags for their game animals. A tag is a physical permit the hunter carries with him or her that must be attached to an animal immediately after it is felled. Hunters are reigned in by the number of tags they have, which will coordinate with game limits. The tag will need to be completed with the date and time of harvest and the location.

To learn more about hunting seasons where you live, contact your local fish and wildlife organization or visit www.huntingseasonhq.com for a state-by-state listing of hunting seasons.

Families Can Make The Most of Summer’s End

August 22, 2024Megan HerrenFamily, Outdoors, Summer

It seems like just yesterday people were heralding the arrival of summer. After many months of fickle weather, summer’s warm temperatures and ample sunshine can be that hug from Mother Nature people need. But soon summer will be coming to an end, making room for apples, corn and pumpkin spice.

Even though summer will soon be singing its swan song, there is still plenty of time for families to enjoy the waning days of surf and sunshine. Here are some family-friendly options to consider.

Catch A Concert

Summer is a time of year when many artists go on tour and sell out everything from arenas to ampitheaters to more intimate venues. Find a singer the entire family enjoys and grab some tickets.

Pick Fruit

Peach season varies depending on where you live, but May through September is a prime time for pick-your-own farms to open their orchards to the peach-picking public. Turn those peaches into pies for Labor Day festivities.

Watch Some Fireworks

Those who didn’t have an opportunity to catch a fireworks display already this summer, or who enjoyed it so much that they want more, can find out when the next big display will take place. Some beachside towns and even amusement parks regularly host fireworks shows on the weekends.

Climb A Lighthouse

National Lighthouse Day occurs on August 7. Locate a lighthouse within driving distance and visit one of the beautiful and historic structures that commemorate maritime history. For example, Sandy Hook Lighthouse in New Jersey, which was lit for the first time in 1764, is the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States.

Pick A Day To Re-Do

Ask all members of the family what sticks out in their minds as the best summer day so far. It may have been paddle boarding in a lake or taking a scenic drive. Compile the answers and then pick one activity to enjoy all over again.

Head To A State Fair

State fairs fill calendars this time of year. They’re perfect ways to enjoy carnival rides, fair foods, live entertainment, and even livestock.

Watch Balloons Rise

Check to see if there is a hot-air balloon festival taking place nearby. Watch these huge items become lighter than air and get lifted off the ground.

Enjoy An Outdoor Movie

Purchase or borrow a movie projector and set up a screen outdoors. That screen can be an actual outdoor screen or a white sheet stretched between two poles. Invite the neighborhood to come over, set up picnic blankets and enjoy a family flick.

Camp Out

Pitch a tent at a campground or even in your own backyard and spend an evening sleeping under the stars.

Visit A Garden or Arboretum

Plan a day trip to a botanical garden or arboretum to view the various trees, flowers and shrubs in bloom. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a day in nature.

Families can wind down from summer by engaging in various enjoyable activities before a new school year begins.

Adventure Awaits Close To Home

August 1, 2024Megan HerrenOutdoors, Summer

It’s not uncommon for individuals to think that the ultimate vacation adventure requires venturing far and wide. But there are plenty of exciting ways to get your thrills even if you don’t stray too far from home. Here is how to plan a summer adventure right in your own neighborhood.

Visit an Amusement or Theme Park

Spending a day or two at a theme park or amusement park can expose travelers to different rides, sights, attractions, food, and people. Six Flags Entertainment Corporation operates 27 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Water parks, summer carnivals and local theme parks also can make for fun excursions.

Scale Great Heights

Figure out what is the highest peak where you live and then hike to the top of that lookout. Many of the tallest peaks in North America are along the border between the state of Alaska and Canada, but there are plenty of lofty elevations elsewhere on the continent.

Try a New Food

Experience a new culture by visiting a restaurant that serves food from a country that you’ve never visited. You can score even more brownie points if you opt for an ingredient that is new to you as well.

Go Rafting or Tubing

The power of moving water is very impressive. Rafting and tubing enables people to get swept away by rapids and see the landscape as it goes rushing by. Choose a pace that suits you and build up rapid size and speed as you gain more experience.

Try a New Water Sport

Stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking can be entertaining ways to enjoy the water. These are not only great adventurous activities, they’re also solid workouts for many parts of the body.

Go Fishing

Fishing may seem like a slow-paced sport, but your adrenaline soon will be pumping when a fish bites and you’re reeling in a monster catch. Some of the best times to fish are at dawn and dusk when fish are more likely to hit.

Swim in the Ocean

Head to the coast and dive through the waves. The summer months are the perfect times to take a dip as the ocean water becomes a more comfortable swimming temperature. Always swim in locations where lifeguards are present, and be sure to check red flag warnings for rip currents or rough surf. Keep an eye out for marine life as well.

Catch a Baseball Game

Purchase tickets to a game at a stadium near you and cheer on the team with thousands of other fans. In addition to watching Major League Baseball, there are many minor league teams with impressive stadiums. Tickets for minor league games may be easier to come by and softer on the wallet.

Summer adventures do not have to require traveling far. There are plenty of exciting ideas close to home.

Outdoor Activities Ideal For Summertime

June 6, 2024MBEhleEntertainment, Outdoors, Summer

Summer can be a magical season full of fresh air, warm days and nights, blooming flowers, and plenty of opportunities to spend time in the great outdoors. There are so many ways to fill summer days, and people are urged to maximize time spent outdoors during this time of year. Since the sun’s rays can be particularly harmful between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., protective clothing and sunscreen is recommended during this time; otherwise, people can engage in outdoor activities during times when the sun is less potent.

Those seeking some summertime recreation inspiration can consider these activities.

Family Bike Ride

Explore trails or bike paths in the area in advance, and then prepare bikes for an excursion. Bicycle riding is a great cardiovascular activity that people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy. Try flat paths for beginners, and then build up the length and intensity of rides as experience is gained.

Day at the Beach

Some attest there is no more perfect place than the beach on a summer day. The waves lapping the sand, the birds calling in the air, and the sounds of children’s laughter and sunbathers’ chatter all combine to create a relaxing seaside symphony. According to WebMD, the negative ions given off by the ocean can improve mood and add to the calming effect the beach provides.

Backyard Obstacle Course

Construct an obstacle course in the backyard that everyone can try. It can include having to jump through tires; climb a jungle gym; run through a sprinkler; and crawl under a low-hung clothesline. Family members can compete to see who can finish the course in the least amount of time.

Walk a Boardwalk

Those lucky to live near a coast can spend an afternoon or evening strolling the boardwalk, enjoying the various fare and fun activities offered. Many boardwalks have games of chance and small rides for kids. Adults may enjoy the restaurants, bars and shops. Of course, no trip to a boardwalk is complete without coming home with some saltwater taffy.

Hike

In a survey of Americans 18 and older conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association, nearly 50 percent said going for a walk or hike was their favorite outdoor summer activity. Hiking requires very little to get started and can produce numerous opportunities to witness nature and get some exercise.

There’s no limit to the ways people can enjoy the great outdoors when the weather warms up.

Safety Tips Ahead of Your Memorial Day Barbecue

May 23, 2024MBEhleCookout, Grilling, Outdoors

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer for millions of people across the country. Backyard barbecues are a staple of Memorial Day weekend, and such informal gatherings contribute much to the laid back vibe of this beloved three-day weekend.

Backyard barbecues may be all about food and fun, but it’s important that hosts take measures to ensure such soirees are safe as well. By employing the following measures, hosts can ensure their Memorial Day barbecues are safe for all in attendance.

Place the Grill In A Safe Location

The National Fire Protection Association urges hosts to place their grills a safe distance away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves or overhanging branches. The NFPA also notes no grill should be placed within 10 feet of any structure, including a home.

Check Propane Tanks For Leaks Prior To Using The Grill

Memorial Day may be the first time many people use their grill since the previous summer or fall. The NFPA recommends propane grill users check their tanks for leaks prior to using the grill for the first time. This inspection is simple. Apply a light solution of soap and water to the hose. The NFPA notes a propane leak will release bubbles. The smell test also can reveal a leak, as a strong odor of gas can indicate a leak. In such instances, close the tank valve and turn off the grill. If the leak stops, have the grill serviced by a professional. If the leak persists, call the fire department. The NFPA urges hosts who detect an odor of gas while cooking to get away from the grill immediately and call the fire department. Do not move the grill in such instances.

Man The Grill At All Times

An unattended grill poses a significant safety hazard. Whether you’re using a propane grill, a charcoal grill, a smoker, or a hybrid, make sure an adult is keeping an eye on the grill at all times.

Purchase Long-Handled Cooking Tools

The American Red Cross notes that long-handled cooking tools are designed to keep chefs safe. Such tools ensure cooks’ hands and arms do not have to be directly over flames, which can periodically flare up and pose a safety hazard.

Ensure Children Are Supervised When Swimming

The grill is not the only safety threat that may be present at Memorial Day barbecues. Hosts who will open their pools or provide inflatable pools for children should make sure kids are supervised when in or around the water at all times. Before allowing kids in a pool, hosts should confirm their swimming abilities and insist kids who cannot swim or only recently learned to swim wear inflatables or life jackets to reduce drowning risk.

Memorial Day weekend is a festive time at many households. By emphasizing backyard barbecue safety strategies, hosts can ensure everyone has a great time and gets home safe this Memorial Day weekend.

How To Create An Outdoor Living Retreat

April 25, 2024MBEhleHome Improvement, Outdoors, Projects

Al fresco entertaining has taken off in recent years. It’s much more common today to find homeowners who want to extend living spaces to the outdoors in meaningful ways that go beyond a few lawn chairs and a stand-alone grill. Dream backyard living rooms mirror similar spaces indoors and contain features like cozy corners, lush furniture and televisions or movie projectors. Plus, they often abut additional outdoor luxuries like fully functional kitchens.

Homeowners have various options when designing outdoor living spaces. Above all else, spaces should be created with the goal of encouraging people to get together. Here are some ideas.

Poolside Retreat

Homeowners with pools and other water features likely want this area to be the star of the entertaining space. Furniture will be more of the lounging variety, with comfortable chaises and spots to catch the sun. If a swim-up bar isn’t possible, a rolling bar cart can be stocked with essentials for cocktails or mocktails for the kids. Furniture near the pool will be exposed to a lot of sun, so look for durable, sun-resistant fabrics.

Fireside Nook

Gathering around an outdoor fireplace or fire pit is a treat when the weather cools down. Mirror the look of the same setup indoors by arranging outdoor sofas so they flank the fireplace. Add some ottomans or side tables for stowing mulled cider or hot chocolate. A mantel above the fireplace can hold pots of greenery or candles that add to the ambiance.

Consider A Custom Banquette

Unused corners on a patio or rooftop retreat can utilize a custom-made banquette that provides the functionality of a sofa sectional outdoors. Have a contractor design it to the exact specifications of the area, and add a rug to ground the space.

Vary The Flooring

Depending on the entertaining space, a balance of soft grass, pavers or other hardscape will be necessary. Certain areas will need to be hard enough for chairs and other furniture, particularly for those who are including an outdoor dining table in the design.

Create Some Privacy

Some homeowners are lucky enough to have natural barriers that offer privacy in their entertaining spaces. When there isn’t enough, tall shrubs, inexpensive bamboo fencing or trellis can provide a blind that makes an outdoor living area more cozy and private. Consider placing tall, potted plants on rolling casters to improve privacy as the need arises.

Outdoor living spaces are all the rage, and they can add value and functionality to most any home.

A Brief History Of Earth Day

April 18, 2024MBEhleOutdoors

Earth Day is celebrated each April and draws attention to a range of issues affecting the environment. Earth Day aims to raise awareness in the hope of inspiring change.

Earth Day is observed on April 22. According to National Geographic, the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson was inspired to begin a national celebration uniting the environmental movement after witnessing environmental activism in the 1960s. With the help of Denis Hayes, a graduate student at Harvard University, Nelson organized the first Earth Day. Twenty million people participated in events across the United States and strengthened support for environmental legislation like the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act.

Earth Day was expanded to a global initiative in 1990 under guidance from Hayes. Nearly 200 million participants in more than 140 countries now join together in the name of protecting the planet. Awareness continues to be raised each year regarding renewable energy and climate change.

One of the hallmarks of Earth Day celebrations is the planting of trees. Researchers estimate roughly 15 billion trees are cut down each year across the globe. By planting a tree every Earth Day, people can make a difference. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen and bolster ecosystems for wildlife. Shade trees can reduce reliance on fans and air conditioning systems.

The main message of Earth Day 2024 is the need to commit to ending reliance on plastics, says EarthDay.org. The goal is a 60 percent reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040. Plastics are bad for the environment a growing body of research indicates they have an adverse effect on the major systems of the body, including immune, respiratory, digestive, and hormonal systems.

Everyone can do their part to promote the ideals behind Earth Day. For 54 years, millions of people have been advocating for change to benefit the planet and human and animal health, and that fight is ongoing.

Tips To Revitalize A Garden This Spring

April 11, 2024MBEhleGarden, Gardening, Outdoors, Spring

Gardening is a rewarding hobby that pays a host of significant dividends. Many people love gardening because it allows them to spend time outdoors, and that simple pleasure is indeed a notable benefit of working in a garden. But the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture notes that gardening provides a host of additional benefits, including helping people get sufficient levels of exercise, reduce stress and improve mood.

With so much to gain from gardening, it’s no wonder people look forward to getting their hands dirty in the garden each spring. As the weather warms up, consider these tips to help bring a garden back to life.

Discard The Dead Weight

Winter can take its toll on a garden, even in regions where the weather between December and early spring is not especially harsh. Discard dead plants that have lingered into spring and prune any perennials that need it. Branches that fell during winter storms also should be removed at this point if they have not previously been discarded.

Test The Soil

Soil testing kits can be purchased at local garden centers and home improvement retailers. Such tests are inexpensive and can reveal if the soil needs to be amended to help plants thrive in the months to come.

Mulch Garden Beds

Mulching benefits a garden by helping soil retain moisture and preventing the growth of weeds. Various garden experts note that mulching in spring can prevent weed seeds from germinating over the course of spring and summer. That means plants won’t have to fight with weeds for water when the temperature warms up. It also means gardeners won’t have to spend time pulling weeds this summer.

Inspect Your Irrigation System

Homeowners with in-ground irrigation systems or above-ground systems that utilize a drip or soaker function can inspect the systems before plants begin to bloom. Damaged sprinkler heads or torn lines can deprive plants of water they will need to bloom and ultimately thrive once the weather warms up.

Tune Up Your Tools

Gardening tools have likely been sitting around gathering dust since fall. Serious gardeners know that tools can be expensive, so it pays to protect that investment by maintaining the tools. Sharpened pruners help make plants less vulnerable to infestation and infection. Well-maintained tools like shovels and hoes also make more demanding gardening jobs a little bit easier, so don’t forget to tune up your tools before the weather warms up.

It’s almost gardening season, which means gardeners can start on the necessary prep work to ensure their gardens grow in strong and beautiful this spring.