by Jennifer Bauer - Since the birth of our twins and the beginning of my tandem days, I have lamented the lack of a child carrier that could accommodate two kids. Given the growing number of multiple births in the United States (more than 132,000 twin births in 2013, according to the Centers for Disease Control), I was surprised no major manufacturer had, as yet, designed such … [Read more...]
Archives for April 2015
My Outdoor Family: Our Home is Round
by Meriah Nichols Our home is round. It is built in the style of a yurt, perfectly round, but it is not, as it is in Mongolia, a portable residence. Ours is made of stone and copper. It is there for the long run, just as we hope to be. Our family lives completely off the grid, relying primarily on solar power, but with a backup generator. Water comes from the numerous … [Read more...]
SubUrban Outdoors: Praying the long road
by Elizabeth Small Spring has come to New England, but in name only, because winter is behaving like the boyfriend that just won?t accept a breakup. In the beginning, things were thrilling: Cozy nights by the fire, hikes, sled rides full of giggling. But winter and I have grown apart. I want to garden, nature wants to snow. I want to live a life with minimal waste, and this … [Read more...]
Young Trail Volunteers Learn Value of Sweat Equity
by Erin Kirkland Washington state is well known for a wide range of recreational opportunities. From the dry desert in its eastern corners to dense rain forests of the far west, Washington is home to thousands of miles of hiking, biking, skiing, climbing, and water trail systems. On any given weekend, crowds of outdoor enthusiasts take to the hills, eager for a day or two … [Read more...]
Spring Container Gardening With Kids – Expert Advice On How To Get Started
by Kelly Johnson - Embarking on journey toward container gardening with kids often means biting off more than one can chew. A big garden seems great - until weeds set in, insects find it, and life's everyday jobs place a pleasurable task of gardening on the back burner. Then, sadly, green-thumb visions of bountiful harvests turn brown, along with the plants. Beginning … [Read more...]
Nourish: Evan’s No-Bake Granola Bars
by Jennifer Bauer With three busy kids, our family is constantly on the hunt for quick and healthy snacks, especially ones that pack well for outdoor adventures. Years ago, a college teammate gave me her recipe for homemade granola bars, and over time adjusted it a bit to include favorite hiking treats - walnuts, almonds, coconut and chocolate. Full of ingredients for … [Read more...]
Seven “Cool” Facts About Arctic Sea Ice
by Kimberly Hatfield At its simplest, sea ice is frozen ocean water, a force of nature. It covers nearly 10 million square miles of Earth's polar ends, and plays a critical role in regulating ocean currents and climate balance. Arctic sea ice is the pillar for life above and below the water, and is an important barometer of climate change. FACT: Arctic winter … [Read more...]
Make Earth Day an Every Day Investment
by Kelsey Ivey From bubbling brooks to thundering waterfalls, rainforest pathways lined with moss to desert highlands scattered with sagebrush; we live on an amazing planet. Earth is a colorful whirlwind of inspiration and recreation, and a practical parent for shelter, food, and air. It?s our home and provider, as naturalist Wendell Berry stated so well. ??The earth is what … [Read more...]
