The AdventureKEEN Blog
Discover the Magical World of Mushrooms: A New Book for Young Nature Lovers
Have you ever spotted weird and colorful mushrooms while walking in the woods and wondered what they were? A fascinating new book called Mushrooms & Fungi for Kids: An Introduction to Mycology, by Ariel Bonkoski, is here to help young nature enthusiasts explore the amazing world of fungi! Unlike most mushroom books that focus on which mushrooms you can eat, this book takes a different approach. It’s all about discovering how cool and unusual fungi […]
Bird Nest Finder Exclusive: Interview With Expert Dorcas S. Miller
Dorcas S. Miller, founding president of the Maine Master Naturalist Program, is the author and illustrator of Bird Nest Finder, in addition to more than a dozen other nature guides in the Finders series, including Track Finder, Scat Finder, Winter Weed Finder, Berry Finder, and Constellation Finder. Her Finders books have sold over half a million copies. Bird Nest Finder is her newest one, released in October 2024. What inspired you to write Bird Nest […]
From Kitchen Traditions to Modern Tables: Cast-Iron Cooking by Julia Rutland
Escape to Nature This Year for Your Health
Spending time outdoors is vital for a healthy lifestyle. Nature offers many benefits that contribute to our well-being, from physical health improvements to mental clarity and emotional balance. These outdoor experiences can enrich our lives in many ways, and it is essential to prioritize getting outside in the new year. Physical, Mental, and Emotional Health Benefits Spending time in nature has been linked to numerous physical health benefits. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors […]
The Biden Administration just announced their decision to designate Chuckwalla and Sàttìtla Highlands as National Monuments! What a great way to kick off 2025! These two designations will protect more than 800,000 acres of public lands in northern and southern California. AdventureKEEN is a proud partner of The Conservation Alliance, which has been working hard to bring together government officials, media, grassroots supporters, and businesses like AdventureKEEN to make days like today a reality. You can see more about the […]
Exciting News: Two New Books Join the Nature Study Guides Finder Series
The Nature Study Guides Finder series is a timeless favorite in the outdoors world. These guides have been loved by nature fans for ages, offering valuable insights and tips for identifying various plants and animals. With a recent update to the look, the series now carries a fresh, modern design and introduces two new titles—Mushroom Finder and Bird Nest Finder. There are also five titles in the series that have recently received updates with new editions. New […]
The Finders Series Best Features and Secrets of Success
The Nature Study Guides Finders series has helped nature enthusiasts identify plants, trees, birds, mammals, and other organisms for more than five decades. These gems are getting some upgrades this October, including updates to range maps, scientific names and families, icons, and design. To learn more, read the previous blog Timeless Treasures: The Everlasting Appeal of Nature Study Guides Finders Books. The Finders are known for three distinct features: size, dichotomous keys, and longevity—partially due to […]
A Creative Custom #vanlife Lifestyle
It makes sense that folks who kit out their vans are usually creative and adventurous types. They are all about exploring the world and making the most of the journey. This is why we wanted to quickly highlight the fine folks at Shelter Publications who are currently featuring Kirk Williams (and his customized van – Spock) on their site. The story is as beautiful and inspirational as the above photo shows. Here’s an excerpt: “Kirk’s concern after he […]
Timeless Treasures: The Everlasting Appeal of Nature Study Guides Finders Books
Discover why these guidebooks have become staples that continue to thrive in their popularity with nature lovers. Environmental Education: The History of Nature Study Guides May Theilgaard Watts, the daughter of a landscape gardener, attended the University of Chicago for botany and ecology (graduating in 1918) and later attended the Art Institute of Chicago. May became involved with a group that worked on preserving the natural landscape in the Midwest. In the 1940s, she became […]
Antiquities Act Anniversary – June 8, 2024
The Antiquities Act was signed into law on June 8, 1906 and authorized all future presidents to protect historic landmarks or objects of “scientific interest” on public lands as national monuments. Since the Antiquities Act was passed, nine republican and nine democratic presidents have used the tool to protect nearly 160 important historical, archeological, or public lands across the nation. Many iconic landscapes were first protected under the Antiquities Act, such as Grand Canyon National […]
