Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Credit: Marc Vander Maas

The torrent of anti-conservation measures that have been introduced during the 112th Congress this year is certainly enough to dampen the spirits of wilderness supporters far and wide. But it is for this very reason that the Oct. 25 hearing of the House Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands stood out as a much needed reprieve from these seemingly endless attacks on America’s wild places. Read more

Upper Bald River

Credit: Jeff Hunter/Tennessee Wild

Two important Wilderness bills are making their way through the U.S. Senate. Legislation currently being re-introduced by Republican Senators from Tennessee, Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, could add the first new Wilderness to Tennessee in 25 years. Read more

Organ Mountains in New Mexico.

Credit: oflazer, Flickr.

While I was an undergraduate at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, I often took refuge from hitting the books by hiking the Dripping Springs Trail at the base of the Organ Mountains.  Over the years, I introduced the area to several friends and cousins, many of whom still recount fond memories of hiking the trail, picnicking near the La Cueva rock shelter, and the spectacular views of the Mesilla Valley down below. Read more