Biomass project in Lambert Creek, Oregon. Courtesy BLM.

Some folks argue that burning trees as an energy source — either for heat or electricity — is a “carbon neutral” resource — one that takes away as much carbon as it releases. It seems logical — new trees grow in the place of those that were cut down, and the new ones can absorb whatever carbon was released when the original tree was cut and later burned. However, as with many things, the devil is in the details. Read more

Flower. Photo by irisb477, Flickr.

Valentines Day. Roses, chocolates, red frilly doilies, wine and dinner out. Eh hem...Yawn... Booooooring. Listen up, lovebirds. As much as everyone appreciates a week’s worth of calories packed in a cardboard box, when it comes to romance there’s nothing in the greeting-card store that beats a quiet outing in nature. So ask yourself, are you going to do the same predictable thing that you’ve done year after year, or are you going to be a Valentine’s champ and take your sweetie to some place truly memorable? Read more

Smokey Mountains, North Carolina. Courtesy of NPS.

This feature was first published in the 2008 Wilderness Magazine. To receive the annual magazine and quarterly newsletters from The Wilderness Society, become a member today! Christopher Percy Collier is a Connecticut writer who has authored three regional guidebooks and has had stories published by National Geographic Traveler, Outside, and numerous other magazines. By Christopher Percy Collier Read more