Outdoor Living

4 ways wildfires generate tornadoes, lightning and other extreme weather, sometimes miles from the flames

A fire whirl, or fire tornado, rises from flames near Wofford Heights, Calif., in August 2021.
Yunyao Li, University of Texas at Arlington, The Conversation
Thursday, July 30
An atmospheric scientist explains the mechanics behind 4 types of extreme weather fueled by the smoke and the heat of wildfires.

10 surreal natural landscapes every Gen Z traveler should see

Tom Corbett for EF Ultimate Break
Tuesday, July 28
EF Ultimate Break reports that Gen Z and Millennial travelers prefer memorable outdoor experiences, highlighting 10 surreal landscapes to explore, from Santorini’s volcanic beaches to Machu Picchu.

Hunters, anglers and nearly everyone else supports the roadless rule

By David Lien
Wednesday, September 16

The roadless rule is the single most important regulation that benefits hunting and fishing in America. The rule has been in place for 25 years, a habitat-enhancing force of nature since I started hunting elk some 20 years ago, with nearly universal popularity from the start. As Trout Unlimited President and CEO Chris Wood explained, […]

Could you survive The Oregon Trail? An emergency medicine doctor offers tips on how to not die in the great outdoors

You might not die of dysentery on the trail these days, but there is still plenty of danger outdoors.

Elaine Reno, University of Colorado Anschutz, The Conversation
Thursday, September 24

Medicine and technology may have advanced, but the dangers of the wilderness remain unchanged. The Oregon Trail game provides timeless tips on how to enjoy nature safely.

Enjoy Nature

Five important lessons rescue dogs can teach you

Friday, August 21
(BPT) - Every dog has a story, and each story offers a priceless life lesson. For Lee Asher, founder of The Asher House animal sanctuary, his pack of over 50 dogs (as well as a few cats, a horse, and …

Canada’s sustainable finance taxonomy: What it is, what is happening, and what’s coming next

Diane Berard for Future of Good
8 hours ago
Future of Good reports on Canada's sustainable finance taxonomy aimed at ensuring credible "green" investments as the country seeks $115 billion for net-zero targets by 2050.
An understanding of angular momentum helps figure skaters glide across the ice and execute complex spins.

From ski jumping to speedskating, winter sports represent physics in action

Amy Pope, Clemson University, The Conversation
Monday, February 2

Watching, modeling and even playing winter sports help students internalize physics concepts, including acceleration, momentum and friction.

PFAS are turning up in the Great Lakes, putting fish and water supplies at risk – here’s how they get there

Christy Remucal, University of Wisconsin-Madison, The Conversation
Wednesday, January 28
Some of these ‘forever chemicals’ are toxic at very low levels. They can get into water systems and bioaccumulate in fish, ultimately posing risks to people.

Colorado ski resorts got some welcome snowfall from Winter Storm Fern, but not enough to turn a dry and warm winter around

Steven R. Fassnacht, Colorado State University and Michael Childers, Colorado State University, The Conversation
Tuesday, January 27
Ski resorts in Colorado can make snow, but it only goes so far.
The Louisiana fishermen refusing to go down with the ship
Katie Hill for Atmos
3 days ago
Atmos reports on Louisiana fishermen struggling against the impacts of a massive LNG plant in Cameron, which destroys their fishing grounds and livelihoods.
Come hell or high water: How a small town became a blueprint for building climate resilience
Katie Hill for Atmos
4 days ago
Atmos reports on Machias, Maine, a small town facing extreme flooding due to climate change. 
A rural county banned renewables. It’s having second thoughts
Julia Tilton for The Daily Yonder
Friday, September 25
The Daily Yonder reports Bannock County, Idaho, faces a pivotal vote to potentially reverse an ordinance banning utility-scale solar and wind development. 
5 key decisions to make before building an ADU
Friday, September 25
(BPT) - Are you considering or in the midst of planning to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)? If so, you're part of a fascinating trend that's meeting multiple housing needs across the United …
America’s air monitors are disappearing. So is your power to expose polluters.
Ames Alexander for Floodlight
Monday, September 21
Floodlight reports America's air monitors are declining, limiting public ability to detect pollution. 
Top Travel Stories
Alec Hollingsworth for Engine
8 hours ago
Engine reports October is the priciest month for hotels in eight U.S. markets, with spikes during events like Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta and Austin's Formula 1.
Read more.
Lael Kassis for EF Go Ahead Tours
Yesterday at 11:00 AM
EF Go Ahead Tours reports a rise in global language learning, emphasizing the growing importance of communication skills in an interconnected world.
Read more.
Sean Cudahy for The Points Guy
Yesterday at 10:00 AM
The Points Guy reports 2026 is experiencing a surge in flight cancellations, up 15% from last year, with major disruptions hitting East Coast airports.
Read more.
Green Living Stories
How one factory is surviving America’s solar policy whiplash
Emily Jones for Grist
Friday, September 18
Grist reports on Qcells, a Georgia solar factory adapting to shifting U.S. solar policies amid competition from China, focusing on domestic production and tariffs.
Being prepared: How to know what kind of backup power is best for you
Tuesday, September 8
(BPT) - No matter where you live, you can be at risk for short- or long-term power outages. Between extended heat waves, hurricane season, wildfire risk and upcoming winter storms, the aging power …
What if we never built another new building?
Michaela Haas for Reasons to be Cheerful
Tuesday, September 8
Reasons to be Cheerful reports on Swiss architect Barbara Buser, who advocates for reusing existing buildings to combat climate change, promoting sustainable construction by cutting carbon emissions and creating vibrant community spaces.
Need to stay cool? Consider a portable power station
Friday, August 14
(BPT) - Does it feel like heatwaves keep happening, no matter where you live? It's not your imagination. June 2026 was the second-warmest June on record in North America, and this summer's heat is …
Smoke from burning buildings and vehicles, such as Spokane, Wash., experienced in August 2026, can carry harmful pollutants into neighboring homes.
Wildfires can leave surviving homes and their water unsafe – safety tips for residents as they return
Andrew J. Whelton, Purdue University, The Conversation
Thursday, August 13
A home might appear fine, but toxic contamination isn’t always evident by sight or smell.
Outdoor adventures and information
Podcast

All about thru-hiking

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Backpacker Radio is a podcast all about thru-hiking. Topics include hiking news, trail culture, interviews, gear, advice, and all you can eat buffets.

Podcast

Exploring rural America

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

The Bear Grease Podcast with host Clay Newcomb delivers compelling storytelling through documentary-style episodes exploring the culture, traditions, and history of rural America.

Podcast

Outside storytelling

Friday, March 10, 2023

Outside’s longstanding literary storytelling tradition comes to life in audio with features that will both entertain and inform listeners. We launched in March 2016 with our first series, …