Increasing numbers of urban dwellers has led to many of us feeling alienated from the natural world. This is not how we are meant to live, and we don't have to. Even in the most built-up environment, nature makes its presence felt. All we have to do is let it in. This book offers 50 invigorating activities and step-by-step projects to do exactly that, for anyone craving a connection with the natural world, but especially those living in cities and towns with limited daily access to it. Green refuges and outdoor spaces are more important now than ever - a break from our stressful, tech-consumed lives. It is well researched that being in nature radically improves our mental health, just minutes from your doorstep. Nature is waiting for us to discover it, even in the most urban environment. Go on a night safari, make a worm farm or create a one-pot allotment. With 200 smart illustrations, this practical and accessible guide will expand your horizons and increase your appreciation of wild spaces, whether on the street, in the park, or in nearby nature reserves. Chapters include: Be an Urban Naturalist: Go on a night safari, appreciate winter trees, spot moths or build a weathervane Engage with the Elements: Wild swimming, mudlarking, barefoot walking and creating art with found natural objects Look to the Skies: Cloudspotting, the dawn chorus and looking for murmurations Make Space for Nature: Building for biodiversity, make a worm farm, green up all your space Dig for Victory: Grow microgreens or create a one-pot allotment Find Your Wild Tribe: Join a community garden, adopt a street tree or take a city hike

A collection of some of the world's
greatest adventures Anyone with a thirst for adventure and a courageous spirit will be captivated by the tales of endurance, determination, strength of mind, and perseverance recounted in this outstanding compilation. The stories in this book, be they fact or fiction, represent some of the most gripping and illuminating writing ever penned on the subject of adventure from across the globe. From straightforward narratives to spiritual reveries, adventure prompts men and women to pour forth essays, articles, and books that are unlike any other field of literature. Editors Kerry L. Burns and Cameron M. Burns showcase the amazingly vast spectrum that adventure literature offers.
With contributions by:
Matt Gerdes
Linus Lawrence Platt
Robyn Davidson
Jon Turk
Cameron M. Burns
Doug Peacock
Peter McBride
Stephen Venables
Roger W. Brucker
Richard A. Watson
Chris Davenport
Jonathan Waterman
John Ackerman
Dean Cummings
Christina Dodwell
Edmund Stump

Crack climbing is a highly technical form of movement in which climbers position their hands, feet, and even their entire body in cracks to make upward progress on rock. An advocate for the sport's aesthetic lines, physicality, and technical know-how, author Pete Whittaker teaches more than sixty Crack School Masterclasses each year and was featured in the popular climbing film Wide Boyz. This detailed and comprehensive guide teaches step-by-step techniques and tips, including for: Jamming (finger, hand, fist, foot, arm, leg, body) Crack types (chimneys, liebacks, underclings, roof cracks) How to safely lead and place protection Efficient positioning and movement Strength recovery while climbing

Honorary Chief of the Black Creek Cherokee of Florida, river-rafter, and backwoods guide, Willy Whitefeather has lived in the wilderness for many years. When he found almost all of the how-to-survive-in-the-woods books were written for grown-ups, he sat down and wrote this book for his grandchildren and for kids everywhere so they could learn how to "make it back safe".

"Backpacker "magazine-branded, and fueled by FalconGuides, "Backpacker Magazine's Outdoor Survival" brings you essential mind gear from the two most respected and reliable publishers of outdoor-related information. Learn how to properly preplan for a trip, build a shelter, start a fire, prevent hypo- or hyperthermia, navigate when lost--and, above all, how to avoid the common pitfalls that get you into a survival situation in the first place. The book also covers other important skills, including basic wilderness first-aid. Perfect for pack or pocket, this book breaks down its subject into the essential topics, providing practical and portable information useful in the field. Full-color photos and illustrations complement concise, clear text, introducing you to basic and intermediate skills needed to safely and successfully get by in the outdoors.

The end of the world is coming. Are you going to be ready when the sh*t goes down? Here's a quick checklist:

Have you dug up your wife's rose garden and built a fallout shelter, equipped with a prison where you can lock up annoying family members?

Have you mapped out an escape route to your safe zone?

Is there a vehicle of death sitting in your garage?

Have you filled your go bag with all the needed instruments, including waterproof matches, postapocalyptic goggles, and at least one sexual party favor?

Have you learned how to milk various types of animals, including a giraffe?

You need this book more than you even know. Without it, you're roadkill. Lucky for you, Forrest Griffin is the perfect apocalyptic chaperone. From spotting the signs of the global downfall to alienating your loved ones "now" so they don't come looking for you "after," to hot-wiring a car to starting a religion in your own image, Griffin provides you with all the hot knowledge you need to survive the downfall of civilization. Simply put, this is the most important book about the apocalypse that you will ever read by a UFC fighter from Georgia.

50 Things to Do at the Beach transforms a day in the sand and sun into a meaningful and inspiring return to nature. Environmental scientist and professional surfer Easkey Britton teaches us how to peek into the mysterious deep, harness the calming nature of the sea, and engage in fun play, like wave running and swimming. The latest addition to our Explore More series, 50 Things to Do at the Beach shows us how to enjoy the many health benefits of time spent by the sea and give back to the waters that sustain us. Kid-friendly activities make this a must-have for families enjoying time together by the sea, ocean, or lake. Vacationers and seadwellers alike will find new and unexpected ways to enjoy the water. Each section is beautifully illustrated to explain the activities and bring the message to life. Surf's up!

The U.S. Army's official guide to map reading, determining location, and navigating. For a soldier, knowing where you are is a matter of life and death, and so it comes as no surprise that the Army has produced the most complete, clear, and thorough guide to map reading and navigation available. The book starts with a comprehensive explanation of the meaning and uses of maps, whether photographic, planimetric (standard-style), or topographic, then proceeds to the use of those maps, discussing compass techniques, celestial navigation, and determination of distance. There is a detailed section on interpreting topographic maps, with notes on tactical considerations for differing terrain, as well as determining the ease of movement through an area. The book's crucial, well-illustrated chapters have invaluable information on: Training Strategy * Maps * Marginal Information and Symbols Grids * Scale and Distance * Direction * Overlays Aerial Photographs * Navigation Equipment and Methods Elevation Relief * Terrain Association * Mounted Land Navigation Navigation in Different Types of Terrain * Unit Sustainment There is also information on field sketching, the tricky art of map folding, units of measure and conversion factors, map symbols, orienteering, and the global positioning system (GPS).

Originally published in 1930, this book is an exhaustively detailed manual of instruction and advice on how to build a scout troop. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Hesperides Press are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork. Contents Include The Architects Training: How Scouting Began. the Architects Designs: What Scouting Means. The Foundations of the Building: Scout Law. Beginning to Build: Tools ''Opened or Controlled''. Materials to Use: Practices. Beams and Girders: Individuality, Discipline. Assistance in Building: Parents, Church, School. Laying the First Courses: Tender Foot Tests, Investiture. Working to Plan: Outdoor Atmosphere. Adding Another Storey: Second-Class Tests. Roofing the Building: First Class Tests. Decorating: Badges, Handcrafts. Housekeeping: Records, Finance. The Domestic Staff: Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop Leader. The Family: Individual Scouts, Boy Nature. The Family Grows up: Looking Ahead, Employment. Annual Repairs: Troop Headquarters, Furnishing Gear. Entertainment: Rallies, Concerts. The Garden: Scouting and Religion, Church Parades. The Out-Of-Doors: Open-air-Scouting. Summer Holidays: Camping. Town and Country: Town Troops. The View from the Windows: Scouter's, Training, Brotherhood

This comprehensive new edition of U.S. Army Survival Manual, issued by the Department of the Army and thoroughly revised by Colonel Peter T. Underwood USMC (Ret), is ideal for military personnel and all outdoors enthusiasts. From the psychology of survival and basic medicine to personal camouflage and signaling techniques, this essential resource provides all the information you need to survive. Included here is a guide to identifying: - Poisonous snakes and lizards - Edible plants - Cloud formations as foretellers of weather - And more! With detailed photographs and illustrations and an extensive set of appendices, U.S. Army Survival Manual is your ultimate guide to survival in all conditions and environs.

"With advice on not just getting along, but truly reconnecting with the great outdoors, Dave Canterbury's treasure trove of world-renowned wisdom and experience comes to life within these pages." -Bustle A New York Times Bestseller in Sports and Travel! The ultimate resource for experiencing the backcountry! Written by survivalist expert Dave Canterbury, Bushcraft 101 gets you ready for your next backcountry trip with advice on making the most of your time outdoors. Based on the 5Cs of Survivability--cutting tools, covering, combustion devices, containers, and cordages--this valuable guide offers only the most important survival skills to help you craft resources from your surroundings and truly experience the beauty and thrill of the wilderness. Inside, you'll also discover detailed information on: Choosing the right items for your kit. Manufacturing needed tools and supplies. Collecting and cooking food. Protecting yourself from the elements. With Canterbury's guidance, you'll not only prepare yourself for any climate and situation, you'll also learn how to use the art of bushcraft to reconnect with nature in ways you've never imagined.

Wilderness 101 is the companion guide for new adventurers. Aimed at preventing newcomers to the outdoors from ending up in "survival" situations due to a lack of preparedness, this guide will impart introductory knowledge and skills to readers applicable across a range of potential activities, and useful for anyone heading into the backcountry. Based largely on course material that Maurice has taught for 32 years, readers will learn how to prepare and be equipped for all varieties of terrain, learn the fundamentals of weather conditions and how to meet them, learn to avoid wildlife and avoid attracting it, learn essential skills and emergency procedures relating to several outdoor activities, and much more.

NINE LEVELS, EASY TO EXPERT This book stands apart from other staff training manuals. While most titles focus on forms and twirling, The Art and Science of Staff Fighting emphasizes the dynamics of combat. The author draws on thirty years of martial experience, presenting the best of both Eastern and Western traditions. Joe Varady lays out a comprehensive course of study in nine levels, from beginner to expert. He guides readers through such fundamentals as stances, striking, blocking, and footwork. In advanced lessons, readers learn disarming techniques, groundwork, and facing multiple opponents. But this book is not just for staff enthusiasts. Even those unfamiliar with martial arts can adapt these techniques, increasing their skill and confidence in defending themselves. "Our environment is usually full of improvised weapons," Varady writes. "Staff fighting techniques can be effectively applied in a self-defense situation using a walking stick, coatrack, curtain rod, floor lamp, hockey stick, fallen tree branch, broom, mop, shovel, or rake." Equipped with this knowledge, readers will begin to realize that, in one way or another, they are nearly always armed and capable of defending themselves. This book features: Nine levels of instruction, progressing from easy to expert Over 600 photos with motion arrows A "nondenominational" approach to staff, utilizing the best of Eastern and Western arts A comprehensive, methodical approach to building staff skills If you are already a student of the staff, these lessons will not conflict with your katas or current style. Instead, they will augment your techniques, broadening your options. Whether you are an experienced staff fighter or a layman seeking practical techniques for self-defense, The Art and Science of Staff Fighting will help you develop the skills you need.

Danger! It lurks at every corner. Volcanoes. Sharks. Cyberbullies. Sinkholes. From wresting an alligator to evading drones to landing a plane if the pilot passes out, The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook is here to help with expert, illustrated, step-by-step instructions for life's sudden turns for the worst. Needed now more than ever, this revised and expanded edition-published on the international bestseller's 20th anniversary-delivers frightening and funny real advice readers need to know fast. With crucial information added from across the Worst-Case series and 20 all-new scenarios for twenty-first century threats (extreme weather, "fake news," dropping a cell phone in the toilet), this action-packed hardcover handbook brings emergency instruction for anxious times.

Recreational camping in developed state and national park campgrounds is one of the most popular summer recreational activities. Many tent camping trips are fun and problem-free, but a significant number face some type of unexpected problem. In The Tent Camper's Handbook, author Frazier M. Douglass IV presents a guide to help campers plan and execute dryer, warmer, and more comfortable camping trips.

Drawing from more than forty years of camping experience, Douglass offers methodical pointers to facilitate economical and enjoyable camping outings. The Tent Camper's Handbook presents hundreds of details to help campers buy the most comfortable tents, sleeping bags, clothing, and camping gear. He offers tips for assembling and packing kitchen gear, tool bags, first-aid kits, bathing kits, and personal grooming kits. This guide also includes dozens of useful suggestions for finding the best camping destinations, making reservations, packing gear into small cars, setting up campsites, setting up kitchen flies, starting campfires, performing camp chores, cooking tasty meals, sleeping well, avoiding injury and discomfort, respecting the environment, and enjoying the experience.

A valuable resource for both novice and veteran campers, The Tent Camper's Handbook details a fresh approach to basic tent camping that emphasizes comfort and convenience.

Be Prepared to Face Any Medical Emergency With This Essential Guide While many first aid manuals provide valuable instructions on how to respond to various medical situations, they may not meet the needs of the average citizen preparing to meet a broad range of medical emergencies, with limited skills, limited supplies, and limited or non-existent support from the Emergency Management System and medical professionals. In this color-photo illustrated manual, veteran survivalist and trained EMT James C. Jones did not create "just another" first aid book. Instead, each subject is approached from the perspective of equipping the untrained citizen to provide care for family members and neighbors, under extremely trying conditions, without expert help. Prepper's Medical Manual includes basic first aid subjects, such as bandaging, splinting, control of bleeding, and treatment of shock, along with those subjects specifically associated with the needs of those responding to true disaster emergencies. Complete with multiple step-by-step response guides and checklists for stocking personal medical emergency kits, Prepper's Medical Manual can ensure readiness for even the worst-case scenario.