Award-winning author Louise Erdrich discusses her writing process and the Native American tradition at the root of her newest novel, LaRose.
Category Archives: Finding Ourselves in Nature
Nature in Chinese Culture
Throughout history, nature has inspired Chinese artwork. Read the article to learn about the country’s connection to nature and click some of the images in the slideshow to view specific art pieces.
Reader View: The wilderness can handle bikes
Brent Bonwell, an advocate of the mountain biking community, argues that allowing mountain bikes in wilderness areas will expand access to more people, a stated goal of the Wilderness Society, and help volunteers and rangers maintain trails.
Rick Bass on his new story collection, ‘For a Little While’
In this Q&A, author Rick Bass pushes back on the label of “environmental writer,” arguing that he sees his characters as the driving force of his stories.
Cities make us forget what’s great about nature
This article examines a study in the journal Science that argues that as urban density grows, humans’ connection to nature decreases. The authors of the study propose that smart city planning can counteract this trend.
Obama gets personal with Yosemite in speech, long hike
During a visit to Yosemite to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, President Obama recalled the wonder he felt visiting Yellowstone as a child and argued the importance of preserving natural spaces.
Environmental art is on the rise – with a little help from Leonardo DiCaprio
Read about the growing market for environmental art.
Politicians Should Make America Better for Parents by Thinking Swedish
Writer Lola Akinmade Åkerström argues that Americans should officially build outdoor sports and recreation into their schedules.
Don’t Care About National Parks? The Park Service Needs You To
This radio piece reports on the National Parks Service’s effort to reach out to minority communities.
Connecting With Nature Boosts Creativity and Health
In this Q&A, author Richard Louv talks about the importance of people’s exposure to nature.
Nature and technology: friends or enemies?
Journalist Molly Flatt argues that there are positive relationships between nature and technology and that people can use technology to connect to nature.
How Living Off the Grid Works
People who choose to live “off the grid” often do so for environmental reasons. This article explains the steps to take to disconnect from public utiltites.
Nature Studies: Is it possible to put a price on nature? And if we can, should we?
Environmental columnist Michael McCarthy expresses his uncertainty about a question posed at a high-profile debate.
Beyond Denali: Restoring Native American names
Read about the movement to change the names of national natural sites back to their Native American names.
How Walking in Nature Changes the Brain
In a recent study, researchers found that walking in a natural setting improved participants’ moods and states of mind.
Hug a tree – the evidence shows it really will make you feel better
Researchers look into the effects that a growing disconnect from nature may have.
Alone with Arizona’s landscape
Read about how a writer connected to the scenic beauty of Arizona in this travel piece.
Faulkner of Oil Country: Rick Bass Talks New Novel
Author Rick Bass discusses the inspirations for his stories and novels.
‘Wild’ film prompts surge in interest in Pacific Crest Trail
In the film Wild, based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir and starring Reese Witherspoon, a woman rediscovers herself as she hikes the Pacific Crest Trail alone. It has inspired others to attempt the journey.
Survival Training, Ferret Style
Wild animals such as weasels survive by following their instincts. But what about animals raised in captivity? Endangered ferrets in one breeding project are taught the instincts they need before being released into the wild.