WSMAG.NET Blog » The Outdoors
Citizen scientists are the new science superheroes, volunteering their time and experience to gather data in support of research projects from astronomy to zoology. So, what is Citizen Science all about. Citizen science is a collaboration between scientists and members of the public … read more
Washington ranks among the top 10 states for the highest rates of newly diagnosed cancerous melanoma of the skin, according to Washington State Department of Health. Data from the Washington State Cancer Registry (WSCR) shows that the rates have been increasing by about … read more
The Teton Raptor Center in Wilson, Wyoming, is attempting to contact as many people as possible who have an interest in the outdoors. The organization’s goal is to increase awareness of a little-known problem: Outdoor toilets can entrap cavity-nesting owls. Other birds that … read more
Editor’s note: Just in time for the upcoming camping season, the camping experts at Carhartt shared their favorite stories with WestSound Magazine readers. Check them out as you’re planning your next camping trip. Use at your own risk! There are few things better … read more
We need to be sensitive not only to the environment surrounding our trails, but to other trail users as well. Some of the trails are also open to mountain bikers and equestrians. When you encounter other trail users, whether they are hikers, runners, … read more
Let’s face it: Whether you’re a hiker, walker or runner, life can get in the way when it comes to putting time in on the trail. Far too often, it’s hard for most of us to set aside an hour — never mind … read more
Signs of Spring
Female Anna’s hummingbirds begin building their nests in February. They will be searching through gardens in the West Sound region, looking for nesting materials. Portions of seed pods from last year’s clematis blossoms are popular. These are the feathery tufts still clinging to … read more
Where would you go to find a clonal colony of creatures armed with thousands of neurotoxin-filled harpoons engaged in deadly combat? To find the front line of an intergenerational clone-colony war, you need go no farther than your local beach. The humble sea … read more
The late Roger Tory Peterson developed an identification system for birds that eventually earned him the title “dean of birdwatchers.” When first introduced, these guidelines were designed to aid in the identification of birds seen from a distance. They evolved into an all-encompassing … read more