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.
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

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

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.

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

(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 …
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

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

PFAS are now found in all of the Great Lakes, including Lake Superior, pictured.

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

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 faced sparse snow conditions in early 2025.

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

Ski resorts in Colorado can make snow, but it only goes so far.
The Louisiana fishermen refusing to go down with the ship
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
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
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
(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.
Floodlight reports America's air monitors are declining, limiting public ability to detect pollution. 
Top Travel Stories

The renaissance of train travel: 7 destinations where the train is the best part of the journey

EF Go Ahead Tours reports a rise in global language learning, emphasizing the growing importance of communication skills in an interconnected world.

Flight cancellations hit 4-year high: Here are the worst airports, and tips for avoiding travel woes

The Points Guy reports 2026 is experiencing a surge in flight cancellations, up 15% from last year, with major disruptions hitting East Coast airports.
Green Living Stories
How one factory is surviving America’s solar policy whiplash
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
(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?
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
(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
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

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

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

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, …