WHERE TO GO


Along with checking your state’s departments of tourism and parks and recreation, here are some broader resources for finding local trails.


n AmericanHiking.org n AmericanTrails.org n Backpacker.com n BluePlanetGreenLiving.com n ClimateRide.org n FreshAirFamily.org n GearPatrol.com n HikingProject.com


n NWF.org (National Wildlife Federation)


n OutsideOnline.com (Outside Magazine)


n SectionHiker.com WHAT YOU NEED


Time spent outside is best when we’re well-equipped. Here are some basic tips.


4 Be prepared for weather, stay alert, plan ahead and have a trail map so you know what to expect.


4 Inform others where you will be and what time you plan to be back. Set a deadline to turn around and head back well before sundown.


4 Plan on not having cell phone reception.


4 Wear proper footwear and clothing. 4 Take a compass and a flashlight.


4 Bring water, in plastic-free bottles, and well-sealed snacks.


4 Apply natural, reliable sunscreen (such as Think Sport).


4 Use DEET-free insect and tick repellant. (For an easy home recipe, add 15 drops of geranium and eucalyp- tus essential oils to a two-ounce spray bottle filled with distilled water. Shake well before each use.)


4 Consider a natural first-aid kit. (DIY guidelines for creating alternative kits are found at Tinyurl.com/Natural- RemediesTravelKit and Tinyurl.com/ AnHerbalFirstAidKit.)


Hiking in nature is a ready way to reset frazzled nerves.


place in the world where hikers can dig for diamonds and keep what they find, although quartz diamond sites (semiprecious stones less hard than diamonds) can be accessed at other U.S. locales. Coastal walks lead to discovering sea glass and shells. Arboretums in urban areas offer trails flush with local flora. Joining or starting a hiking club based on common interests is one way to go.


“One of our guidebook series encourages outdoor enthusiasts to explore the natural world in their immediate backyards. This approach especially appeals to families, first-time trail users and athletes looking for a quick nature fix after work,” offers Helen Cherullo, publisher of Mountaineers Books (Mountaineers- Books.org), a nonprofit committed to conservation and sustainable lifestyles. Wherever we venture, take nothing but pictures and leave nature untouched.


Cherullo reminds us, “Connecting people to treasured natural landscapes leads to active engagement to preserve these places for future generations. The future of public lands—owned by every American citizen—is literally in our hands.” They deserve our vote.


Marlaina Donato is a freelance writer, author and multimedia artist. Connect at MarlainaDonato.com.


Bartering is Good for Your Business The Barter Business Exchange, Inc. (BBE) is a network of business


owners who help each other prosper by trading products and services. Bartering can help you:


• Find new customers • Reduce your cash expenditures


• Expand your advertising and marketing


• Enhance employee benefits


• Convert excess inventory • Reduce your accounts receivable • Increase market share • Improve your bottom line • Build your business


BBE will refer new customers to your company. They pay for your products and services with barter dollars you can use with any other participating


businesses in the barter network. BBE acts as a referral service and as your banker. BBE keeps a record of all sales and purchases for you and provides a monthly statement. It is as easy as having a second checking account. Call or go online today to learn more.


1125 Kildaire Farm Road, Suite 207, Cary, NC 27511 Barter Business Exchange, Inc.


919-469-5538 • www.ncbarter.com natural awakenings August 2017 53


Olga Danylenko/Shutterstock.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56