Beginner’s Guide to Stargazing: Pro Tips and Tricks

Are you a lover of the night sky? Do you find yourself constantly looking up at the stars in wonder and awe?  Stargazing is like a magical portal to the universe, where you can escape everyday life and embark on a cosmic journey from anywhere. Not only is stargazing a peaceful and relaxing activity, but it …

Sunset image of the Smoky Mountains

6 Reasons To Explore The Great Smoky Mountains

With over 800 miles of hiking trails, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the United States. Black bears live at all elevations of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with an estimated 2,000 black bears—about two bears per square mile. The Great Smoky Mountains are known as the “Salamander Capital …

Image of hiking trail

Field Notes | What I Pack On A Hike

Field Notes is Naturalist’s Guide blog written and edited by publisher and producer Ashley Deese. Naturalist’s Guide is supported through advertising products, events, and resources from our trusted partner organizations. Every product featured is vetted, tested, and approved by the Naturalist’s Guide team. As the producer behind Naturalist’s Guide, I try to spend a lot …

Ghost Pipe | Monotropa uniflora

A Naturalist’s Guide to Ghost Pipe or Indian Pipe Ghost Pipe is a wildflower with a ghostly appearance, a unique relationship with fungi, and a role in traditional medicine. Ghost pipe, also known as Indian pipe or corpse plant, is a white, waxy, and translucent wildflower found in North American forests. The various names come from its resemblance …