Nature

The history of New York is inseparable from the history of sailing on the Hudson River. Beginning with Henry Hudson in 1609 the Dutch and English extended their empires into the Hudson Valley and extracted its bounty via sail. 

Control of the Hudson River was a lynchpin for American victory in the Revolutionary War and New York City's 19th-century rise to global prominence was powered by the sailing vessels on its waterways. Upriver, sloops and schooners delivered goods from the nation's interior and international whaling businesses operated from Hudson and Poughkeepsie and Kingston and Newburgh became noted shipbuilding centers. Yacht racing and ice yachting emerged as popular sports among wealthy families like the Astors and Roosevelts. Sailing clubs preserved these traditions into the 20th century. Since the 1960s, activists including Pete Seeger have used sailboats to galvanize a movement to revive the river ecosystem. Today, the river is home to new generations of sailors continuing these traditions into a fifth century.

Steve Schwartz has sailed and captained numerous sailing and motor vessels on the Hudson River since the 1970s. He and James Malchow are both captains on the Hudson River ferry sloop Woody Guthrie. Images in this book, collected from local libraries, historical societies, the New York State Archives, Library of Congress, and private collections, capture the people, places, and ships that have made the Hudson River an important sailing center for over four centuries.

Reflections, Musings, and Withdrawals

In hunting, “buck fever” strikes when excitement for a big deer makes it hard to shoot straight. For upland hunters, that same surge of adrenaline comes with the thunderous flush of a grouse. But “grouse fever” is more than a fleeting rush—it’s a lasting fixation on all things grouse: the birds, the dogs, the coverts, the literature, and the camaraderie of trusted hunting companions. Author Andrew Marshall Wayment calls Idaho home, where he has spent twenty-five years pursuing five species of grouse: ruffed, dusky, sage, sharp-tailed, and Franklin’s.

Through recollections, essays, and artwork, Andy explores this enduring affliction and affirms his long-held adage: “I never met a grouse I didn’t like.”

The Rock River Valley is best known for its beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities. But like the Rock River itself, there is a darkness that lies just under the surface.

This region’s history is filled with eerie tales of ghostly encounters that suggest that the line between the living and dead is thinner here. The river starts near Waupun, Wisconsin, where the nearby Wisconsin State Prison Cemetery contains a dark entity that haunts the grave of the man that killed her. It travels southward through towns with veiled stories of things that go bump in the night. Towns like Beloit, Wisconsin, where the students at the local college have shared stories of the entities that linger in the halls.

Crossing the state line, the city of Rockford, Illinois, has its own claims of ghostly encounters. The river finally joins the Mississippi in Rock Island, Illinois. Ghosts of the gangsters that once called this area home still reign at the Rock Island Roadhouse.

Author Kathi Kresol weaves together the legends, history, and personal encounters with the spirits of the dead all along the route of this historic river.

How Powerful Storms Shaped Martha’s Vineyard and Its Resilient Spirit

Martha’s Vineyard is no stranger to storms. Its location puts it in the direct path of any weather system moving up the Atlantic coast. In 1635, the Great Colonial Hurricane devastated the island, and the 1898 Portland Gale is well remembered to this day for its fury and death toll. In 1944, Gay Head was isolated when the access bridge was washed away. Other storms included the famous 1938 Hurricane, Carol and Edna in 1954, and the Perfect Storm in October 1991. Each storm was unique in its creation, impact, and resulting changes in the landscape of the island. Tom Dresser reveals how each of these devastating events affected life on the island, as well as the future dangers posed by an ever-warming climate.

"There can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country." —Theodore Roosevelt

In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt embarked on one of the most audacious journeys in presidential history: the epic “Great Loop Tour.” This daring nine-week, fourteen-thousand-mile train trek across twenty-five states transformed the landscape of American conservation.

At the heart of this monumental trip lies a legendary three-night camping expedition through Yosemite alongside renowned naturalist John Muir. This profound experience would help spark the creation of the national park system and the preservation of many of America’s wild spaces for future generations.

Roosevelt’s tour broke other boundaries along the way, including the presence of courageous African American Buffalo Soldiers who not only protected the president but also became the first guardians of our national parks.

The remarkable connections between Roosevelt, Yosemite, and President Abraham Lincoln, along with many other fascinating characters, helped shape the modern conservation movement for decades to come.

In this revised and expanded edition, author Chris Epting explores one of the most impactful presidential journeys in American history and the forging of our national parks.

How Powerful Storms Shaped Martha’s Vineyard and Its Resilient Spirit

Martha’s Vineyard is no stranger to storms. Its location puts it in the direct path of any weather system moving up the Atlantic coast. In 1635, the Great Colonial Hurricane devastated the island, and the 1898 Portland Gale is well remembered to this day for its fury and death toll. In 1944, Gay Head was isolated when the access bridge was washed away. Other storms included the famous 1938 Hurricane, Carol and Edna in 1954, and the Perfect Storm in October of 1991. Each storm was unique in its creation, impact, and resulting changes in the landscape of the island. Tom Dresser reveals how each of these devastating events affected life on island, and the future dangers posed by an ever-warming climate. 

Kuwohi towers over the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains as the highest point in both the national park and the state of Tennessee.

The mountain holds an ancient allure—the Cherokee treasured it, as did early settlers, and it captivates throngs of visitors today. Senator Thomas Clingman made an 1858 journey to measure the mountain, and it was called by his name until being renamed Kuwohi, restoring the original name given by the Cherokee people. Scarred by logging, invasive species, and modern pollution, the mountain endures. Through lush narratives and fascinating detail, author Marci Spencer presents the natural and human history of this iconic destination.

From daring escapes and naval skirmishes to the resilience of everyday people, The Revolution on Raritan Bay reveals how this region’s sacrifices and conflicts influenced the outcome of America’s independence.

Raritan Bay was more than a body of water during the American Revolution—it was a front line. Its villages, farms, and ports became places where Patriots, Loyalists, and those in between clashed in a struggle that reshaped the colonies. Smugglers, privateers, and spies used its waters and inlets to move men, messages, and supplies. Families were torn apart, neighbors eyed one another with suspicion, and violent raids brought the war directly to the doorsteps of New Jersey residents.

Historian and television host John R. Schneider uncovers these overlooked stories, weaving together local accounts with the broader fight for liberty. 

Once little more than a local curiosity, Cathedral Caverns was transformed by one man’s vision and hard work into a spectacular tourist attraction and natural landmark.

In 1952, Jacob “Jay” Gurley explored a local Marshall County curiosity which residents referred to as “Bat Cave.” Amazed by its stalagmites and sheer enormity, Gurley purchased the site and began transforming it into Cathedral Caverns. After decades of hard work, Cathedral Caverns became one of Alabama’s top tourist attractions, eventually being dedicated as a national natural landmark in 1973, and a state park in 2000. Had it not been for Gurley's hard work and dedication, this cave, a geological treasure of international renown, might have remained a little-known hole in the ground. His efforts impacted local and state tourism, economics, and politics. This is the story of one man and his vision. Enjoy the rich history of Cathedral Caverns in this collection of 15 historic black-and-white postcards.

This two-hundred puzzle book also works as a travel guide to help travelers explore the public lands all across America. Stop at Sawtooth National Forest, Canaveral National Seashore, Grand Canyon National Park, and numerous other interesting and inspiring places along the way.

Whether you’re all cooped up or in your coupe, this unusual mix of puzzle book and travel guide will help you hit the real or virtual road and learn about places along the way. Throw it in the back seat and let your antsy passengers have fun and learn. Or make a pit stop, grab a cup of coffee, and puzzle through where you’ll go next. From your car or your couch, the road trips in this book help you discover places that reveal diverse aspects of America's public lands—national parks, forests, rivers, mountains, wildlife refuges, monuments, heritage and natural history sites, and other inpsiring stops. Enjoy the journey!

Journey to the coast with Michael Morgan as he looks back at the area's most deadly storms.

Coastal Delaware, Maryland and Virginia have always been vulnerable to the power of storms. In the early nineteenth century, storm-driven shipwrecks led to the construction of the Delaware breakwater. In 1933, a storm created an inlet on the south edge of Ocean City and changed the character of the Maryland resort. The Ash Wednesday nor'easter of 1962 devastated oceanfront communities, led to the creation of beach replenishment projects that pushed the ocean back from the new multimillion-dollar buildings that sat on the sand and spurred the creation of Assateague Island National Seashore. Michael Morgan narrates the stories of these storms and reminds us of the power of wind and water.

Families watched in horror as walls of water swept away homes and businesses, and men held onto saplings for their lives while the winds howled.

The destruction was beyond belief. Buildings on Atsena Otie were swept away so completely that only cracked stone foundations remained, and the forests of red cedar that gave the islands their name and livelihood were flattened. Resulting in dozens of deaths and millions of dollars in damage, Hurricane Number 4 in 1896 changed the Cedar Keys forever and set the city on a path to the present. Historian Alvin F. Oickle, drawing on firsthand accounts and extensive archival research, tells the story of ordinary Floridians who were faced, like so many before and so many since, with nature's fury.

Venture into flora and fauna of Pennsylvania's Moraine State Park and uncover the hidden histories behind its natural treasures.

About 20,000 years ago, the late Wisconsinan glaciation reached its maximum extent. Glacial deposits identify the moraine, or farthest area covered by the glacier. Muddy Creek was a north-flowing stream that was blocked by the south-advancing glacier, forming a huge lake that lasted until the glacier dam began to retreat. The lake rapidly drained, eventually exposing the vast Muddy Creek basin. Dr. Frank Preston envisioned recreating the ancient glacial lake and worked with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to begin the project that became 16,725-acre Moraine State Park. Its centerpiece, man-made Lake Arthur and the surrounds, provide outstanding outdoor recreation and relaxation opportunities.

Founded in 1914, Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park is one of the leading zoos in North America. From humble beginnings as a small collection of animals, it transformed into a state-of-the-art home to more than seven hundred animals, including many threatened or endangered species. A small family of Asian elephants, including an unusual set of twins, play a crucial role in both education and conservation efforts to protect these majestic animals. The zoo collaborates with its nonprofit partner, Friends of the Zoo, to provide visitors with experiences that excite, memories that endure and knowledge that inspires global wildlife conservation.

In the bustling city streets of late 18th century Louisville began a tradition of thoroughbred racing that has transcended centuries.

Follow author Kimberly Gatto as she chronicles the history of the world’s most famous racing venue, which revolutionized the “Sport of Kings” and created the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and Clark Handicap races. Fans will enjoy the tales of various horses, from the early triumph of Ten Broeck over Mollie McCarthy to the Derby victory of the heroic thoroughbred Barbaro. Churchill Downs: America’s Most Historic Racetrack recounts the various financial hardships, the introduction of parimutuel betting, the construction of the famed twin spire grandstand, and how the age of television transformed Churchill Downs into the majestic track we recognize today.