The AdventureKEEN Blog
Summer with Nature Smart: Meaningful Adventures for a Calmer, More Connected Life
When many people imagine an ideal summer, they picture distant destinations: national parks, long road trips, and dramatic landscapes far from home. Yet some of the most meaningful encounters with nature can take place much closer—along a neighborhood trail, beside a modest wetland, or in the fragment of prairie at the edge of town. With a guidebook in hand and a shift in perspective, everyday surroundings can become the setting for rich, meaningful adventures. Nature […]
How to Create Amazing No-Cook Meals When It’s Too Hot in the Kitchen
When the weather heats up, many kitchens become the last place anyone wants to be. Turning on the oven or standing over a hot stove can make you feel even warmer and more uncomfortable. Still, most people want more than takeout or a plain salad at the end of the day. They want food that feels fresh, homemade, and satisfying—without adding extra heat. Some Assembly Required shows how no‑cook meals can deliver all of that, with […]
Women of the Natchez Trace: 4 Historic Stops to Visit for Women’s History Month
Along the Natchez Trace, women’s stories are literally written into the landscape—if you know where to look. The new Guide to the Natchez Trace makes those stories easier to find by flagging a series of “Women of the Trace” stops: places where women taught, ran businesses, shaped communities, and quietly altered the course of regional history. For Women’s History Month, here are four of those stops that reveal how deeply women are woven into the […]
Why This New Kids’ Book Turns Climate Anxiety into Scientific Hope
It is early March, and Earth Month is just around the corner. Parents and teachers often wonder how to talk about the environment without frightening young people. Today’s students see a constant stream of scary news about extreme weather and melting ice, and it can make them feel helpless. Luckily, a new book takes a much better approach to this tough topic. Coming out on April 7th, Climate Action for Kids understands these fears right from […]
Nature Smart Column with Stan Tekiela: Woodpecker Cavities
A cavity in a tree, excavated by a woodpecker, seems normal enough. But when you stop to think about it, this simple space is absolutely remarkable. Today, let’s take a closer look at the humble woodpecker cavity. According to the International Ornithological Committee (IOC), there are 241 species of woodpeckers in the world. Here in America, we have 22 species of woodpeckers, ranging from the small downy woodpecker to the giant pileated woodpecker. All these […]
Why Micro-Travel is the Sustainable, Budget-Friendly Resolution You Need in 2026
Every January, we set the same grandiose goals: Get fit and reduce our carbon footprint, but also save money and travel the world. By February, the gym membership is collecting dust, the savings account is stagnant, and that dream trip to Bali feels impossibly far away. In 2026, it’s time to ditch the “go big or go home“ mentality. Enter micro-travel: the art of exploring your own backyard through day trips, local hikes, and regional adventures. […]
The Perfect Holiday Gift for the Curious Soul: Unearthing The Wonder of Mushrooms
The search for a perfect gift often involves finding something unique, beautiful, and meaningful—an item that sparks curiosity and offers a new perspective. A remarkable candidate for such a gift has emerged: Maya Jewell Zeller’s breathtaking book The Wonder of Mushrooms: The Mysterious World of Fungi, featuring illustrations by Jenny DeFouw Geuder. This volume stands out as a rare find that will captivate a wide audience. This is not a typical field guide. It’s a lyrical, […]
Exciting New Nature Books from Stan Tekiela: Birds, Nature Smart, and Field Guides to Reptiles and Mammals!
Exciting New Nature Books from Stan Tekiela: Birds, Nature Smart, and Field Guides to Reptiles and Mammals! Renowned naturalist and author Stan Tekiela is launching several new books—perfect for exploring the Midwest and beyond. Get the scoop on these upcoming releases, including the latest addition to the Kids’ Guide to Birds series, Nature Smart, Reptiles & Amphibians of the Midwest Field Guide, and two from the Mammals series. Kids’ Guide to Birds Series: Now Featuring […]
Upgrade Your Halloween: Why Real Monsters and Ghosts Are a Must
As the air grows crisp and shadows lengthen, thoughts naturally turn to Halloween. It’s a time for carving pumpkins, watching horror movies, and telling spooky stories. But what if the most terrifying tales aren’t fictional? What if the scariest monsters are the ones lurking in America’s own backyards, documented in historical records and whispered about for generations? This Halloween, it’s time to go beyond the slasher films and fictional ghouls by diving into the chillingly […]
Unlock the Flavor: Why Julia Rutland’s Mushrooms Is the Must-Have Cookbook of the Year
To some, mushrooms are an afterthought. They’re the humble topping on a pizza, a simple side sautéed in butter, or a background player in a sauce. But these fascinating fungi hold the key to a hidden culinary universe, one packed with savory richness, incredible health benefits, and gourmet potential. Mushrooms: 50 Tried & True Recipes by Julia Rutland is not just another cookbook—it’s an essential guide that elevates this often-overlooked ingredient to the star of […]
