Happy birthday to Smokey Bear and other Forest Service feature stories

Here at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, wildfire prevention is a big priority. There’s no better ambassador of that essential message than everyone’s favorite wildfire prevention bear, Smokey! On August 9, we celebrated Smokey’s 81st birthday, and as he enters his 9th decade of wildfire prevention activism, we’ll take a look back at where it all started. Read more…

The prairie, somewhat unfairly, is not known for its seasonal changes. But just as the forests of either coast, the prairie has its own wardrobe for each season. Stunning snow white in the winters, a veritable rainbow of flowers each spring, verdant greens and golden hues during the summer, and, as above, fiery auburns each autumn. (USDA Forest Service by Kim Grotte)

A Great Plains glory: Little Missouri National Grassland In the very heart of North America, the rolling hills of North Dakota’s Little Missouri National Grassland   stretch into the horizon, humbling in grandeur. Though named after the Little Missouri River that winds through its grounds, do not be misled, there is nothing little about these prairies. Read more…

Volunteers Jack Brown (in black shirt) and Terry Voorhis (in blue shirt) shore up a steep slope along the Pacific Crest Trail in summer 2024 at the Three Corner Rock section. (Photo courtesy of Jake Rawdin at the Pacific Crest Trail Association)

Repairing the great outdoors: 5 years of the Great American Outdoors Act Last year we talked about national forests being like our favorite sweaters — much loved but getting a bit frazzled around the edges and needing some repairs. The kind of unraveling that happens to older vault toilets, bridges, trails and more. So, as the fifth year rolls around of the Legacy Restoration Fund established by Great American Outdoors Act, let’s check in on five projects mending some of your go-to places to get outside.