Shorebirds: Wonderful Waders
Jack Ballard
May 9, 2012
American Avocet Summer is when many of us head for the water, and that likely means beaches and big lakes with large stretches of shoreline and the likelihood of spending time in the presence of any number and variety of shorebirds. Shorebirds are the waders of the avian world, birds that do not swim... Read more »
W.C. Coleman
Kathy Cabrera
April 18, 2012
W.C. Coleman’s legacy impacts rural America, outdoor recreation and critical gear for U.S. Armed Forces In an age where lighting sources for the outdoor adventurer can be powered by the sun, it’s hard to imagine a time when doing anything outside after dark was a challenge. In the late 1800s, all... Read more »
Invasive Species
Jack Ballard
April 16, 2012
What’s the greatest threat to natural ecosystems in North America? Forget global warming. Quit pondering pollution. A growing number of scientists are convinced the evidence shows that invasive species pose a stronger risk to many ecosystems. Some non-native species such ring-necked pheasants were... Read more »
Fish Camps
Dan A. Nelson
April 12, 2012
Montana Road Trip, from Idaho's Henry's Fork to Bitterroot The numbers are easy. Four states, seven rivers, 2,588 miles and countless fish. The total value of our road trip, however, can’t be measured. For two weeks, three of us – my wife, our yellow lab and I – drove through some of the... Read more »
Bear Safety
Rich Johnson
April 5, 2012
Create you own bear wire lift a safe distance from your campsite to store food and garbage, keeping away hungry bears. After a long winter’s hibernation, black bears are yawning, stretching and thinking about their first meal, probably near your campground. So, let’s talk about how you can safely... Read more »
Ansel Adams Outdoor Photography
April 5, 2012
Ansel Adams self portrait Ansel Adams’ recognition as an outdoor icon is evident in the words of an American president. In presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Adams in 1980, President Jimmy Carter said, “Drawn to the beauty of nature’s monuments, he is regarded by environmentalists... Read more »
Catching Up With Olympic Hopeful, April Ross
Amanda Lepinski
April 3, 2012
Beach volleyball Olympic hopeful April Ross spends most of her time on Corona Del Mar State Beach (Calif.) training for the upcoming 2012 Olympic games. When she isn’t perfecting her volleyball skills, she loves to be outdoors with her friends and family (and maybe a bear or two)… April Ross,... Read more »
Camping With A Dog
Dan A. Nelson
March 27, 2012
Pete Lake and Squaw Lake hikes Like all campers, dogs enjoy forgetting their domestication and rediscovering their wild side. They love getting out and playing in rivers and lakes, roaming through forests and meadows and generally reveling in their primal instincts. Inviting your pooch to join you camping... Read more »
Viewing Wildlife Up Close
Jack Ballard
March 26, 2012
7x35 Celestron binoculars Approaching animals in the wild, especially large mammals, such as a moose or bear, is not always practical or prudent. Maintaining a safe distance is important for both an animal’s well-being and the observer’s safety. However, thanks to the right optical equipment, humans... Read more »
Training For A Hike
Rich Hardy, MA, ATC, CSCS
March 20, 2012
Hiking is a physical activity that requires supplementary cardiovascular and muscular training in addition to your normal daily activities. You have to maintain a certain level of physical fitness in order to hike long distances comfortably. But you don’t need an exotic or expensive training program... Read more »
