Wild Living

Live your one wild and precious life: get outside, explore the natural world, be true to yourself, learn new things.

Rolled strips of colorful gauze

Learn the twelve must-haves for your wilderness first aid kit, including items not found in a traditional first aid kit.

a row of trees with white bark

My white privilege helped me become a park ranger. I feel safe in nature and in national parks when so many others don't.

blue ridge parkway wooden sign

Where to stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway: North Carolina, featuring ten must-see spots along the parkway's southern half.

Person stands on rock alone in front of beautiful landscape

Our fears have much to teach us. Instead of pushing them away, learn how to embrace your fear of hiking alone.

Wheelchair on beach in front of waves

All-terrain wheelchairs have arrived in many parks in the US and beyond. But are hiking wheelchairs coming to a park near you?

Cranes flying in front of clouds

Some people speed along trails; I meander. If I went any faster, I would miss out on so much. Here is why I love hiking slowly.

A yellow flower held in two hands

Time in nature is my favorite way to practice mindfulness. Learn to be fully present with these five ways to be mindful in nature.

Rainbow strikes a mountain

A few years ago in a grad class, a fellow student made a statement that floored me: “LGBTQ people can’t work in national parks."

Child-sized orange muddy boots

Research shows that children benefit in countless ways from exploring the natural world. But how do you get kids to love nature?

Open butterfly field guide

Read the story of why I love field guides, and how that love shaped the person I am and the park ranger I became.