Recently I took my first of what I expect will be many Outdoor Discovery School classes. Stand Up Paddle Boarding has increased in popularity in recent years, and the interest has increased the number of places one can buy a board or try one out for an hour or two.
Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Camping & Outdoor Survival Guide: 101 Tips Tricks and Uses by Bryan Lynch is both history book and practical guide. Dating to 1891, the Swiss Army Knife is arguably the most recognizable pocket knife of all time. Whether purchased new or passed down through the family,
I Love Birds! By Jennifer Ward is a charming, fun, and educational guide to the world of birds. This book provides information and suggestions for activities to help any parent (even those who know nothing more than a feathered creature is a bird) teach their child about birds and enjoy
Part memoir, part guide for parents to insert more hands-on nature activities into their children’s lives, The World Is Our Classroom, How One Family Used Nature and Travel to Shape an Extraordinary Education, by Cindy Ross, is an entertaining and eye-opening look at how much children can learn through experience,
Humans have long used clues to forecast the weather. While it’s unlikely that a groundhog woken from its den in February can tell with any accuracy how long winter is going to last, it appears that some animal behaviors can provide some indication of the weather to come. A number
The Baylor Canyon Trail is a six-mile hike in the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument. The trail goes up and over the mountain range through Baylor Pass and is the only maintained trail that goes over the Organ Range. There are trailheads both on the east side, starting at
The Honest Backpacker, A Practical Guide for the Rookie Adventurer over 50, by James and Nicole Klopovic is an encouraging guide to those with the desire, though maybe not the confidence, to get on the trail. Written for older adults, it covers important information that will benefit anyone preparing
There has been much talk about ticks this year. Experts are predicting that after a mild winter, this summer will be the worst tick season in memory and that Pennsylvania will have among the highest numbers. Besides the fact that no one likes having these blood-sucking pests on themselves or
Sometimes the best gifts are experiences, not things. A good way to sample a new activity is to enroll in a class or participate in an event. Some local branches of national outdoor outfitters (including REI, LL Bean and Eastern Mountain Sports) offer classes in a variety of outdoor activities
Books and other publications always make great gifts. There are many options for the outdoor enthusiast or for someone you want to encourage to spend more time outdoors. Picture books depicting nature, especially those about animals are good for young children. You can find books on a particular animal or