Thankful for Nature: DIY Thanksgiving Decor This Thanksgiving, let nature do the decorating. With just a few simple, earth-friendly touches, you can bring the warmth and beauty of the outdoors inside. Here’s how to create a cozy, rustic table that celebrates the season: 1. Leafy Table Garlands and Place Cards Start with a base of dried leaves, acorns, and small branches as a natural table runner. Add a personal touch by writing each guest’s name on a large leaf for place cards—a lovely (and biodegradable!) alternative to store-bought decor. 2. Mini Pumpkin Candle Holders Take mini pumpkins, scoop them out, and place tea lights inside for a warm, autumn glow. Kids will love scooping out the pumpkins, and the results look beautiful scattered down the table or around the house. 3. Pinecone and Berry Centerpieces Gather pinecones, seasonal berries, and some small branches or twigs to make easy centerpieces. Place them in jars, pitchers, or bowls, and if you want some extra ambiance, add a string of LED fairy lights. The result? An earthy, whimsical centerpiece. 4. Dried Fruit Garlands Thread dried orange, apple, or lemon slices onto twine for a simple garland. The colors are festive, and the subtle scent is perfect for the season! Hang it on the wall or drape it along your table. 5. Pressed Leaf Placemats (Kid-Friendly!) Let the kids gather their favorite leaves, press them between wax paper for a day or two, and arrange them under transparent sheets for homemade, unique placemats that bring the outdoors in. 6. Cinnamon Stick Bundles with Fresh Herbs Tie cinnamon sticks with twine and tuck in fresh rosemary or sage. Place them around each place setting for a warm, inviting scent that makes everyone feel right at home. 7. Foraged Wreaths for Doors or Windows Using pine branches, dried flowers, and maybe a few pinecones or acorns, make a wreath that’s unique to your area. Hang it on your front door to welcome guests or place it indoors. 8. Nature’s Own Table Runner Take sprigs of evergreen, pinecones, and clusters of berries to create a lush table runner. It’s simple, sustainable, and will stay fresh all season. Using these natural elements, you can create a Thanksgiving table that’s beautiful, sustainable, and family-friendly. Enjoy the day, celebrate the season, and make memories that go beyond the meal!

Go Feral for Fall: How No Shave November Can Help the Planet Picture this: a month without razors, fewer bottles in your bathroom, and maybe a rugged, outdoorsy look that says, “I just chopped some wood.” No Shave November isn’t just about ditching the razor; it’s about embracing a low-maintenance lifestyle that’s good for you and great for the planet. So let that beard grow wild—it’s doing more than just giving you that lumberjack vibe! What is No Shave November? If you’re unfamiliar, No Shave November started as a clever way to raise awareness for men’s health issues, like prostate and testicular cancer, by encouraging people to skip their grooming routine and donate the money they’d typically spend on shaving supplies to charity. But beyond the human health angle, there are also ecological perks to the “don’t shave, don’t care” mentality. 1. Save Water, One Beard at a Time Water scarcity is real. Each shave typically uses around 3 gallons of water, between washing your face and rinsing the blade. By skipping the shave, you’re conserving gallons of water each week. If everyone got on board, those savings could make a measurable impact on water usage. 2. Fewer Chemicals, Fresher Streams Every squirt of shaving cream, every dollop of aftershave—these mainstream grooming products are full of synthetic chemicals. Not only do they absorb through our skin, but they also wash down the drain into wastewater treatment plants, which aren’t always equipped to filter out every toxin. By going au naturel you’re not only reducing your exposure to these substances, but you’re also lessening the chemical load in our waterways. Curious about safer alternatives? Check out the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) database  with over 117,000 personal care products rated by their chemical content. 3. Ditch Disposable Razors If there’s one thing we’re learning in the eco-movement, it’s the importance of reducing single-use plastics. Disposable razors might be convenient, but they’re a major waste generator—millions end up in landfills each year. Skipping the shave this November means fewer razors tossed, and fewer resources used to produce and package them. When you do decide to shave again, consider switching to a reusable razor handle with refillable heads. Some brands offer metal or wood razor handles which reduces plastic even more. Every little step helps, and choosing reusable or recyclable options can make a long-term impact. Ready to Go Feral? Growing out a beard might feel like a small act, but it’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest changes in our routines can have a big impact on the environment. So, this November, let your hair down (or out) and know that your “wild” look is doing more than just saving a few bucks—it’s making the world a little greener. And if you’re inspired to give back, consider donating what you save to organizations that support health and environmental causes.

How to Keep Wildlife Away at Night: Safety Tips for Camping and Moonlit Hikes There’s nothing quite like camping under a starry sky, a crackling fire, and the sounds of nature lulling you to sleep. The last thing you want is to wake up with unexpected visitors rifling through your gear! Wildlife encounters are part of the great outdoors, but keeping a safe distance is key to an enjoyable time—for you and  the animals. 1. Store Food Like a Pro Rule number one: if it smells, it’s an invitation.  Wildlife, especially animals like bears, raccoons, and even small rodents, have incredible senses of smell. That’s why it’s crucial to store your food properly. Use airtight containers or, better yet, a bear canister. Hanging your food at least 12 feet off the ground and 4 feet away from tree trunks will keep curious critters from helping themselves to your snacks. 2. Keep a Clean Campsite "Leave no trace" doesn’t just mean respecting the environment—it also means leaving no crumb behind. After meals, make sure to clean your cooking area thoroughly. Food scraps, greasy pots, and leftover packaging can attract scavengers. Dispose of your trash in bear-proof bins or hang it alongside your food. In areas where bear bins aren’t available, pack out all waste. It may feel like overkill, but it’s better than an uninvited guest sniffing around your tent at 3 a.m. 3. Let There Be (Some) Light Wild animals tend to be wary of fire, so keeping a small campfire or lantern going at night can be a natural deterrent. However, it’s important to strike a balance. A roaring fire might keep animals away, but it can also disrupt the environment and disturb nocturnal creatures in a way that defeats the purpose of your camping trip. Instead, opt for a small, controlled fire or a lantern that gives you visibility without creating too much light pollution. Not to mention, there’s nothing cozier than a warm glow lighting up your campsite! (As always, follow local fire safety guidelines and never leave a fire unattended.) 4. Know Your Wildlife Before you hit the trail, do a little research on the local wildlife and their habits. Are you camping in an area known for bears, coyotes, or mountain lions? Or are the nighttime critters more likely to be smaller scavengers like raccoons or skunks? Understanding the kinds of animals in the area and their behavior can help you prepare. For example, if you’re in bear country, carry bear spray and know how to use it. If you’re dealing with smaller critters, storing food and using repellents might be enough. 5. Minimize Scents (And Not Just Food) Animals aren’t just drawn to food smells. Hygiene products like deodorant, sunscreen, and even your bug spray can be attractive to wildlife. When you’re packing for your trip, opt for unscented versions of toiletries when possible. Store toiletries just like you would your food—away from your tent and in an airtight container. Pro tip: clothes you wear while cooking should be stored with food, not in your tent. Animals can pick up those food particles and scents lingering on your gear. 6. Use Natural Deterrents Looking for a natural way to keep animals at bay? Try citronella or peppermint oil, which can act as mild deterrents for some animals. You can also try noise deterrents like wind chimes or a portable, motion-activated alarm that makes sounds when something gets too close. Just be mindful—these tools can help deter smaller animals, but they won’t be enough for large predators. Your best defense is smart food storage and situational awareness. 7. Don’t Forget About Your Gear Even if you’ve stashed away your food and toiletries, don’t forget about your gear. Packs, coolers, and cooking equipment can absorb food odors and attract wildlife. Make sure everything is stored securely or hung up with your food. And when you’re finished cooking or snacking, pack it all away—even if you’re planning to use it again later. 8. Make Noise on Moonlit Hikes Night hikes can be an amazing way to experience the outdoors from a new perspective, but they also come with a few extra considerations. Wildlife is often more active at night, so it’s important to make your presence known. Bring a headlamp, talk with your hiking buddies, and don’t be shy about making some noise! Singing or clapping occasionally will help let animals know you’re coming, giving them plenty of time to move away. If hiking solo, consider bringing a whistle or bear bell as an extra precaution. 9. Respect the Wildlife While it’s important to keep wildlife away from your campsite, it’s equally important to respect their habitat. Don’t feed animals ( ever ), keep a safe distance if you do encounter wildlife, and remember—you’re the visitor in their home. Admire from afar. Camping and moonlit hikes are excellent ways to connect with nature, but keeping wildlife at a safe distance is key to a successful trip. With a little preparation, you can minimize your impact on the environment, keep yourself safe, and ensure your nighttime adventures are as peaceful as they are exciting. Just remember: a clean campsite is a safe campsite, and nature always rewards those who respect it.

Build the Change Virtual Field Trip: Exploring Bat Habitats and Conservation   Attention Educators: Join Discovery Education, the LEGO Group’s Social Responsibility Team, and Bat Conservation International as they explore bat habitats throughout Texas and Florida. This virtual field trip introduces students to the world of bats, showing how these essential nighttime pollinators protect crops from pests and what we can do to help them thrive. With insights from play experts, students will learn how bats use play to develop survival skills and why they are vital to our ecosystems. Find out more HERE . Photo of a Mexican Free Tailed Bat roosting; courtesy of Bat Conservation International; photo by Michael Durham Minden Pictures

Haunt Your Yard, Not the Planet: Eco-Spooky Halloween Halloween can be a blast without frightening the planet (and our wild neighbors). This year, let’s bring on the boos in a way that’s spooky and sustainable! Here’s how to create a Halloween wonderland while putting nature first. 1. Nature’s Confetti: Fallen Leaves for Décor Skip the fake spider webs and embrace what’s already in your yard. Fallen leaves make a fantastic (and free!) autumn vibe while supporting wildlife. Leaving leaves around shrubs and trees creates habitat for spiders (pest controllers), toads, and newts, which help keep gardens healthy. Those piles might even draw in migrating birds looking for insects or seeds. Consider turning leaf piles into decorative displays around pumpkins—they’re eco-friendly and double as winter cover for critters. And those plastic spiders? Birds and other insect-eaters may think they are authentic, which can harm their digestion—or worse. If you must have them, keep them indoors. 2. Go Batty: Support Our Flying Friends Bats may look spooky, but they’re the ultimate party guests in a garden, controlling pests like mosquitoes. To make your yard more inviting, add a bat house or plant trees for future bat hangouts. Want to go the extra mile? Turn off bright outdoor lights; bats, migrating birds, and other nocturnal creatures prefer a low-lit vibe for a safer journey. 3. Spider-Friendly Spaces Synthetic spider webs are a Halloween staple, but these decorations can be dangerous for real animals. Birds, especially those unfamiliar with an area during migration, can get tangled in fake webs, leading to serious injury or death. Instead, encourage real spiders and their webs by avoiding pesticides and consider making your own Halloween “webs” with natural materials like branches or dried leaves. The real spiders will feel right at home! 4. Reusable and DIY Decorations Store-bought décor can be tempting, but DIY options are more rewarding and less wasteful. Try crafting ghostly figures from old sheets or painting jars as lanterns. Have leftover cardboard? Make tombstones and creepy cutouts for a quick, eco-friendly graveyard. When the season’s over, pack them up for next year or recycle the materials. 5. Set the Mood with Nature-Inspired Ambiance Swap energy-draining floodlights for natural light sources. Solar-powered garden lights, LED candles, and fire pits can also bring warmth to your outdoor setup while respecting the planet. Arrange pumpkins, dried cornstalks, and branches to enhance that eerie vibe. 6. Pumpkin Placement & Feeding Pumpkins are a tasty, healthy treat for some animals, but watch where you place them! Keep pumpkins away from busy roads or windows where curious animals could be in harm’s way. (Do feel free to decorate your windows from the inside. This helps birds know not to fly into them!) For a bonus, turn your leftover pumpkins into feeders by filling them with birdseed and hanging them up for feathered friends to enjoy. Just check your pumpkins for any mold before making them available to wildlife. 7. Drive Carefully & Respect Wildlife Halloween night can be exciting, but watch for kids and wildlife. Increased noise and movement can stress animals or cause disorientation, so drive slowly and respect natural spaces. After all, this season isn’t just for humans—it’s home to our wild friends, too! We can enjoy an eerie Halloween while keeping our wildlife friends safe and sound.

From Trash to Torch: Upcycled Fire Starters There’s nothing worse than trying to get a fire going when everything’s damp—and you’re craving s’mores! But with a trusty fire starter, turning a spark into a roaring blaze becomes almost foolproof. Even better? You can save money, and help the Earth, by whipping up your own fire starters with stuff you'd otherwise toss. 1. Cotton Balls Dipped in Vaseline Cotton balls and Vaseline might be the unsung heroes of the fire-starting world. Rub a generous amount of Vaseline onto a cotton ball, wrap it in some newspaper or a paper towel (so your hands don’t get greasy), and store it in a lidded container. Light the paper or newspaper, and you’ll get a good, slow burn that is perfect for wet conditions. Just remember to keep these in a waterproof container. 2. Egg Cartons & Wax Have some egg cartons lying around? Don’t toss them! Fill each egg cup with dryer lint, sawdust, used (but dry) paper towels, or old cotton balls. Then, here’s where the magic happens—melt down some wax. If you’re a fan of scented wax warmers, those wax melts that’ve lost their scent are perfect! Pour the melted wax over your filling, let it harden, and boom—you’ve just made 12 fire starters. Plus, using those wax melts gives you bonus points for sustainability! 3. Toilet Paper or Paper Towel Rolls & Wax This same technique works well with toilet paper or paper towel rolls. Once all the paper is gone, save up the rolls and tuck dryer lint or used paper towels inside after using them to soak up melted wax. 4. Wax-Dipped Pinecones For a fire starter with flair, dip some dried pinecones in melted wax. Not only do they look pretty, but they’ll also help get that fire roaring. You can use regular candle wax or, once again, those used-up wax melts. Added perk: your fire will smell amazing if you’re using something like vanilla, cinnamon, or lavender-scented wax! 5. Tea Bags in Wax Don’t trash those used tea bags just yet! Dry them out, give them a quick dip in melted wax, and let them cool. They’re tiny, lightweight, and can be tucked into even the smallest camping gear pocket. Plus, they're another great way to reuse something you’d normally toss. 6. Wax-Dipped Jute String Jute string is natural, biodegradable, and perfect for fire-starting duty when coated in wax. Dip lengths of jute into melted wax, let them dry, and you’ve got easy-to-light coils ready to go when you need them. The string makes it easy to weave in and out of kindling to get nice, even lighting. Store them in an old mint tin for a tidy little fire starter kit! (These make really cute gifts if you decorate the tin! Tuck in a matchbook and a little gift note.) 7. Muffin Tin Fire Starters No egg cartons on hand? No worries—muffin tins lined with parchment paper will do the trick! Fill each cup with sawdust, dryer lint, or cotton balls, then pour melted wax over the top. Once hardened, pop out your fire starters and toss them in with your camping gear. They’re like homemade fire cupcakes… just, you know, not edible. Bonus Tip: Grab a few lidded containers, such as large yogurt containers, coffee tins, or large jars, from your recycling bin. Keep them in a kitchen cabinet to store your materials (dryer lint, used paper towels, etc) and completed fire starters. Once the fire starter container is full, store it with your camping gear (just be sure the temperatures stay relatively cool where it is stored). Switch out the containers as they empty, and you'll always be able to start a fire quickly, saving more time for perfecting your s'mores. Remember, while these DIY fire starters will get your fire going in no time, fire safety should always be your number one priority. Keep an eye on your flames, follow local burn regulations, and always fully extinguish your fire before leaving a fire unattended. Now, make your next adventure sustainable, one spark at a time!

Used Coffee Grounds? We have Brew-tiful Solutions If you’re like many of us, your day doesn’t truly start until you’ve had that first cup of coffee. But did you know those used coffee grounds are brimming with potential? Don’t toss them! From enriching your garden to scrubbing away grime, coffee grounds are a fantastic eco-friendly way to reduce waste and get some serious benefits. Let’s break it down: What can you do with used coffee grounds? Boost Your Plants’ Buzz Coffee grounds might be your garden’s new best friend. These little guys are full of nitrogen, an essential nutrient for plant growth. Mixing used grounds into your soil or compost pile will help improve soil structure, retain moisture, and even attract earthworms, which aerate the soil and help plants thrive. But go easy—while some plants (like roses, hydrangeas, and carrots) love a boost from acidic grounds, too much can overwhelm your garden beds. Balance is key! Funk Fighters: Keep Stink at Bay Used coffee grounds aren’t just for plants—they’re great for your nose, too! Their absorbent properties make them a natural deodorizer. Put a bowl of dried grounds in your fridge, next to your garbage can, or near the litter box to soak up unpleasant smells. It’s a cheap and chemical-free way to keep things fresh! Tip: recycle glass or plastic containers with metal or plastic lids for handy, spill-proof coffee ground containers. Drill small holes into the lids so the grounds can still work. Our family keeps a large recycled jar beside the coffee maker to keep the grounds in. When it's full, we pop a vented lid and place it where we want to keep odors at bay. Then, we put an empty jar back next to the coffee maker. This system makes it easy to cycle through the jars. Scrub-A-Dub: Your Cutting Boards Will Thank You We love wood cutting boards for their rustic charm and kitchen utility, but boy, do they hang on to smells and stains. Used coffee grounds make an excellent natural scrub. Their gritty texture helps lift those stubborn bits of garlic or onion without the need for harsh cleaners. Just sprinkle some grounds on the board, give it a good scrub with a damp cloth, and rinse. Goodbye, lingering smells! (No, your food won't take on a coffee scent or taste.) Shine Up Your Sink Those same coffee grounds work wonders on your kitchen sink. Is stainless steel looking a little dull? Give it a boost by using used grounds as a mild abrasive. Scrub gently in circular motions, and you’ll polish away stains without damaging the finish. Bonus: It helps clean up any grease or food particles stuck in the drain. Heads up: Always test this on porcelain or farmers' sinks before using. A Few Quick Tips: • Dry them out first : Spread coffee grounds out to dry before using them for anything other than compost. Wet grounds can mold quickly, and nobody wants that! • Watch out for indoor plants : While coffee grounds are great for gardens, they can be a bit too strong for indoor plants in large amounts, so use sparingly. • Use for outdoor pest control : Some gardeners swear by coffee grounds to keep slugs, snails, and even cats away from garden beds. We say it's worth a try! Recycling used coffee grounds doesn’t just give you a greener thumb; it’s a small but mighty way to keep waste out of landfills while boosting your garden, scrubbing up your kitchen, and freshening your home. So go ahead—sip that coffee and then give those grounds a second life! Your plants, your nose, and your kitchen will thank you.

Haunted Hikes and Witchy Destinations: Where to Explore Spooky Adventures in the Great Outdoors The wilderness becomes mysterious as the days grow shorter and the crisp fall air settles in. Step into the Halloween spirit by exploring haunted hikes and witchy destinations without relying on fake cobwebs or skeleton decor. Grab your flashlight, put on your favorite flannel, and embark on a supernatural adventure! Cades Cove , located in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee,  is famous for its beautiful meadows and stunning mountain views. However, after sunset, some people claim to see glowing orbs floating above the graves in the area's historic cabins and churches. It's believed that these orbs are the spirits of the early settlers. You can visit Cades Cove for a day trip to enjoy autumn wildlife watching and potentially stay until twilight to witness this supernatural light show. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Smoky Mountains offer a magical experience.  Tip:  Arrive early to catch the morning fog over the meadows for an eerie ambiance. The Bloody Lane Trail at Antietam National Battlefield  is a must-see for a walk that will make you feel like you've stepped back in time. This sunken road witnessed one of the bloodiest battles in American history. Visitors report hearing gunfire, smelling gunpowder in the air, and even the haunting sound of singing—reminiscent of Irish soldiers chanting a battle cry in Gaelic. Stories of ghostly soldiers walking the trail add to the eerie atmosphere. Tip: Visit in the fall when the fields are quiet, and the crunch of leaves underfoot reminds you of those who fought and died in this somber place. Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky  has gained notoriety for its paranormal activity, with over 150 documented events. Visitors can immerse themselves in the eerie atmosphere by joining lantern tours. These spine-tingling experiences allow participants to explore the cave by the soft glow of kerosene lamps while the park rangers share ghost stories. Tip: While tours are offered year-round, we recommend the Halloween lantern tours, which promise an incredibly eerie experience. Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming  is full of natural wonders but has its fair share of ghost stories. The most famous involves a headless bride who is said to walk down the stairs of the Old Faithful Inn . In 1915, a bride and her husband checked into the hotel for their honeymoon. The bride never checked out. She was found decapitated in the bathroom—her head later discovered in the hotel’s Crow’s Nest. Guests and staff alike have reported seeing the bride’s ghost, clad in a flowing white dress, descending the stairs as if looking for her lost love—or perhaps her missing head. Tip: After exploring Yellowstone’s natural beauty, settle in by the inn’s fire with a drink. And if you’re lucky (or not), you might glimpse the headless bride. Embrace the Haunt Whether you’re hoping for a brush with the paranormal or want to soak up some eerie vibes this fall, these destinations will leave you with stories to tell around your next campfire. So, grab your gear (and maybe a buddy), and happy haunting! *Note: We recognize these stories and sites are not geared toward young children. Stay tuned to Field Trip for upcoming Halloween fun for kids!