parks

By Katharine Lusk Through a year of pandemic shutdowns and protests, Americans have rediscovered their public spaces. Homebound city dwellers sought havens in parks, plazas and reclaimed streets. Many of these places also became stages for protests against police violence and systemic racism in the U.S. Mayors around the world have used this time to […]

By Frank La Sorte and Kyle Horton Millions of birds travel between their breeding and wintering grounds during spring and autumn migration, creating one of the greatest spectacles of the natural world. These journeys often span incredible distances. For example, the Blackpoll warbler, which weighs less than half an ounce, may travel up to 1,500 […]

By Richard leBrasseur The COVID-19 pandemic has altered humans’ relationship with natural landscapes in ways that may be long-lasting. One of its most direct effects on people’s daily lives is reduced access to public parks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidelines urging Americans to stay at home whenever feasible, and […]

By Jeff Turrentine Years ago, my wife and I decided to while away an idle summer afternoon in her Texas hometown by driving our infant daughter to a neighborhood park. We pulled into the empty lot, liberated the baby from her car seat, and made our way somewhat warily through this public yet noticeably deserted […]

If you’re stuck for plans this weekend, we suggest escaping your city or town for the great outdoors. This Saturday marks the 25th National Public Lands Day, organized by the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF). The annual event is known to be the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort and is one of the four days […]

By Jason Mark Normally, a writer writes to reach an audience. But what I’m about to tell you, I want you to keep just between us, OK? Whatever you do, don’t email this article to your friends, don’t share it on Facebook, and please don’t post it on Twitter. Because I’m going to let you […]