I took an Environmental Literature course in the Fall 2020 semester. The final assignment? To write an essay about being immersed in nature an to include a few references to works we had read in class. I wrote about water because I have always felt a connection with it. My professor submitted my essay on …
There is something special about taking the long way. The old fashioned way. The hard way. Sure, there are planes and trains and buses and cars and bikes, but there’s just something about going for a hike. For a long walk, for a short stroll, to relieve your mind of tolls. To soak in the …
Are you a fan of puttering around in creeks and being stunned by stunning cliffs? Well, Zoar Valley, located near Gowanda, is just the place for you! Carved out by Cattaraugus Creek, Zoar Valley winds and turns, sculpting curves and cutting through steep rock. There are several entrances and trails to explore, as can be …
It’s the 51st anniversary of Earth Day. And we’ve come pretty far. But, climate change is a marathon race, not a 100 yard sprint. We’ve got a long way to go, and we’re going to need drive, we’re going to need passion to get through to the end of the race. Not a short burst …
Pop some headphones on and go for a walk while listening to my story about one heck of a walk. Part One: I ask my mom about her favorite parts of New York. She asks me about walking from Buffalo to Albany. Part two: My mom asks me about all the odd things I saw …
If you’re new to something, it’s easy to look foolish while doing that something. So, why not l learn what NOT to do the easy way — by laughing at how ridiculous these scenarios are instead of trying them out for yourself. Dress in layers. That mountain you’re about to climb with snow on the …
Water and fire don’t mix. At least, that’s what I thought until I saw a burst of fire happily blazing under a 35-foot waterfall. Eternal Flames Falls trail, located in Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park, is a 1.4 miles trail described by AllTrails as “heavily trafficked” and is rated as moderate. Which means there …
Located in Dunkirk, New York, Point Gratiot is an absolute local gem. Lining the eastern shores of Lake Erie, the beach provides a perfect view of the western-setting sunset every night. It’s also a pretty beach in general. Everyone needs a sunset spot; a place you can go to for spectacular views of the day’s …
No, I am not going to talk about an elixir mix of herbal tea, or incense that gives you a spike of motivation. A “motivational plant” is a term I made up to describe plants that grow in interesting conditions or in interesting ways. Interesting conditions. Humans — often the well-off humans — have a …
Dubbed “the Grand Canyon of the East” and rated as the Best State Park in the U.S. by USA Today, Letchworth State Park is a destination all residents of New York should check out at least once. The park is 17 miles long and contains 14,350 acres across Livingston and Wyoming counties. The crown jewel …