When Donna Falk’s 8th grade science class saw my recent butterfly blog, they had even more questions. Well, of course they did, because she’s a great teacher! So my latest blog adds more cool facts about my favorite Nymphalidae. (Including the “caterpillar soup” inside their chrysalis!)

When I caught sight of my first monarch yesterday, my silly heart fluttered faster than her beautiful wings (which you’ll see is pretty quick!) And so it begins. My wonderful summer ritual of protecting caterpillars so they can form their chrysalises and emerge as the new generation of monarchs. To kick off butterfly season, here’s a fun Q&A about these amazing members of the Nymphalidae family!

No, it’s not a new kind of stride or weird X Games challenge. Plalking is the trendy Swedish import of picking up litter while you walk. Garbage can be downright dangerous to animals and plants in the wild. So turning your hike into a plalk not only ups your exercise quotient, it also helps protect the natural world we love. Read more in my latest blog.

Ephemeral may mean fleeting or short-lived, but when it comes to woodland wildflowers, it really should mean magical! By the time the tree canopy above fills with leaves, these native perennials have already produced their gorgeous flowers, dropped their seeds, then died back to spend the rest of their life cycles underground. Learn what to look for as these wondrous Spring treasures start to appear.

As we roll into spring and thoughts turn to warm-weather vacations, I’m thrilled to share my passion for the National Parks! Get a front row seat to humor and wide-eyed wonder!

I jumped ship on trying so hard to promote my books. SEO or “search engine optimization” hurt my brain and constantly seeking friends on social media made me feel lonelier. So, I’m finding my own ways to connect with my tribe: those looking for inner peace, time in nature, and greener living. Read my latest blog to see how things are working out.

Whether you’re a master climber or taking your first tentative steps on a trail, things can go from wonderful to horrible in a minute. But you can avoid many common hiking injuries and setbacks with a little knowledge and planning. See “5 Must-Knows for Hiking First Aid” for any outdoor adventure, large or small.

Planning a family road trip? Take it from me, as beautiful as scenery might be, long hours of driving can make anyone cranky. Luckily, we had few outbursts on our 7,000-miles adventure to 20 national parks. What was our secret? How did we alleviate all-out rebellion? See my 10 top tips.

What’s your favorite way to tap into what the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen calls "outdoorphins?" It’s old news that a walk in the woods is great exercise and can improve your heart health and weight. But did you know exposure to nature might also help fight a cold? Reduce stress? Help kids with ADHD? And maybe even prevent certain kinds of cancer? Read more for the latest findings.

Longer days, warmer temps and pandemic fatigue… what better motivation to go for a good hike with your kids? But rescues and trash in our natural areas are at an all-time high because of an influx of first-timers. See 10 tips to help you have fun and stay safe on family hikes!

We learned many things the hard way when planning the 7,000 mile adventure to 20 national parks in Eye Rolls & Awe: A National Park Road Trip with Teens. Don’t miss our top 10 tips!

As spring fever heats up, you can bet that the National Parks will be a magnet for millions wanting to shed the COVID-and-weather-intense winter. But you can enjoy magnificent natural treasures without feeling like you are at Times Square on a pre-pandemic New Year’s Eve. Here are 10 destinations to fill your wanderlust without crowds.

Water lifts our spirits, keeps our bodies healthy and supports every living being in our world. How do we love and protect our threatened waterways? In honor of World Water Day, here are six tips that won’t cost you anything but your attention.

Sitting in a “Zoom” field of wildflowers at Grand Teton National Park, I share the natural wonders, human marvels and wildlife from our 7,000-mile road trip with our teens, then explain the latest research in three crucial areas that all parents of teens should know. Watch for yourself, including lots of stories and questions from participants.