Author: Marsha Watson

We realize that our last article was primarily about the benefits of getting outside — and what our legislators were doing to make the natural environment more appealing for younger generations. But that’s on hold. A dangerous pandemic has quickly…

Many legislators and public officials in West Virginia are taking note of how many people are participating in outdoor activities when compared to other historical periods. Although more people can be seen outside walking or running these days, the overall…

Sometimes it can be difficult to imagine balancing the obvious dangers of bad health with the less-defined dangers of what we might actually encounter when we go outside for some exercise. For example, we all know exactly how dangerous heart…

West Virginia is home to some of the most diverse landscapes in all of the United States — but few people realize it unless they live there. Did you know that the largest lake in West Virginia is spread out…

People are exercising much more often than they were just a decade ago. They’re out running and biking in increasing numbers, and we’re glad to see it. But those increasing numbers of pedestrians are also increasing the numbers of car…

The fictional video game “Fallout 76” takes place during an alternate timeline in an apocalyptic world following an apparently world-wide nuclear holocaust. The “Fallout” series is much beloved, although this new installment was met with almost universal criticism because of…

Those who know about long-distance hiking will always look forward to the next opportunity for a grand adventure. West Virginia is a small state, but it’s best known for its great stretches of wilderness — and that means great hiking,…

While many politicians are arguing in favor of “clean coal” — because they’ve been sleeping through economics classes — the real world is learning to adapt to the rapid decline of a once bustling industry. Coal is bleeding jobs in…

The cicadas that make up Brood VIII have emerged from hiding, and you’ve probably heard the insect orchestra so hard at work. They want to mate! The sound made by male cicadas — peaceful to some, grating to others —…

Those hiking the Appalachian Trail this year are surely thankful that the United States government shutdown didn’t last longer, as it would have prevented them from legally traversing 101 miles of the legendary footpath in the Shenandoah National Park. While…