The AdventureKEEN Blog
Stan Tekiela’s NatureSmart Column – Bird Migration
Bird migration is still one of nature’s most interesting-yet-mysterious events. On the surface, migration seems rather simple and straightforward, but if you stop and take a detailed look, you will see it offers every shade of complexity possible. There are over 11,000 species of birds, and about 40% partake in some form of migration. Migrations range from simple elevational changes for species that live in the mountains, to short-distance movements to avoid unfavorable weather, to […]
Why Beyond Delicious Is the Must-Have Cookbook for Your Halloween Celebrations (Plus a Spooky Recipe!)
If you’re searching for the perfect book to add a dash of supernatural spice to your Halloween festivities, look no further than Beyond Delicious Cookbook: Recipes & Stories from the Original Ghost Whisperer by Mary Ann Winkowski. This one-of-a-kind cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes—it’s a spellbinding journey through ghostly encounters, family traditions, and the enduring magic of food. Whether you’re a book lover, a home cook, or a Halloween enthusiast, this […]
Stan Tekiela’s NatureSmart Column – Ruddy Ducks
When I go out to photograph wildlife, I usually have a specific species of critter in mind. The best images are typically the ones that I envision ahead of time, then carefully plan and execute. There isn’t anything left to chance. I make sure that I go to the spots or areas where the species is most abundant, and I go at the time of year when I can expect to see the critter in […]
The Wonder of Mushrooms: Where Beauty Meets Science in the World of Fungi
Few books capture the magic of mushrooms as vividly and insightfully as The Wonder of Mushrooms: The Mysterious World of Fungi, written by Maya Jewell Zeller and illustrated by Jenny deFouw Geuder. This book stands apart, not just as a celebration of fungal beauty, but as a bridge between art, science, and the poetic spirit of nature. A Kingdom of Their Own One of the book’s most fascinating aspects is its focus on the uniqueness […]
Ghosts of the Wild West: Haunting Legends and True Tales from America’s Frontier
Discover the Chilling Stories Behind the Wild West’s Most Haunted Places If you’re fascinated by the legends, hauntings, and history of the American West, Ghosts of the Wild West: Stories from Deadwood, Tombstone, and the Old Frontier by Jessica Freeburg and Natalie Fowler is a must-read. This captivating book blends true tales of outlaws, lawmen, and ordinary people with spine-tingling ghost stories, bringing the past to life in a way that will thrill both history […]
The Beyond Delicious Cookbook Blends Paranormal Encounters with Timeless Recipes
Some special recipes are passed down through the generations, while some come from the spirits of those who have crossed over. Mary Ann Winkowski’s Beyond Delicious Cookbook (available August 12, 2025) is a delightful, unexpected collection of recipes that combines the realms of the living and the dead, all through the universal language of food. The book weaves a tapestry of stories, memories, and supernatural encounters that reveal how food connects us across time, space, […]
Black Birders Week: Visibility, Community, and the Power of Representation in Nature
Each spring, as the migration of birds sweeps across North America, another movement takes flight—one that is transforming the face of conservation and outdoors culture: Black Birders Week. What began in 2020 as a response to the racism experienced by Black naturalists and birders, most notably the Central Park bird-watching incident involving Christian Cooper, has blossomed into a vibrant annual celebration of Black joy, expertise, and community in the outdoors. Black Birders Week is more […]
Discovering Nature Through Inclusivity: Alex Troutman’s Critters Series and Wildlife Forever’s Impact on Kids
In a world where technology often takes center stage, Alex Troutman’s Critters series offers a refreshing way for children to connect with the natural world. With books like Critters of Georgia and Critters of Minnesota, Alex has created an engaging, educational, and inclusive resource that inspires kids to explore wildlife while fostering environmental stewardship. These books are more than just field guides—they are tools for empowerment, inclusivity, and conservation. The Critters Series: A Gateway to […]
Stan’s Nature Smart Column – Sea Otters
For whatever reason, some wild animals are near and dear to people’s hearts. They have a universal appeal, resulting in admiration across the masses. For example, many are obsessed with owls. Any kind of owl. Big ones, small ones, it really doesn’t matter. The same can be said for other wild critters, such as otters. For whatever reason, everyone seems to love otters. This was on full display last week while I was leading a […]
Discover the Fascinating World of Fungi: Why Mushrooms & Fungi for Kids is a Must-Have Resource for Young Explorers
When it comes to introducing kids to the wonders of nature, few topics are as unique and captivating as fungi. From the colorful mushrooms that dot forest floors to the hidden networks of mycelium beneath our feet, fungi are an essential (yet often overlooked) part of our ecosystems. Mushrooms & Fungi for Kids: An Introduction to Mycology by Ariel Bonkoski is a groundbreaking book that fills a much-needed gap in children’s nature literature. If you’re […]
