United States
Lover of southern hospitality, wildlife conservation, outdoor exploration, and joyfully vivacious words ... and, of course, the oxford comma.
Just a few of my most fervent passions are community building, leadership development and implementation, wildlife eduction/conservation, and curating tools and resources that encourage people to live out lifestyles that thrive on adventure and exploration. Here, you'll find a wealth of my original content pulled from a number of holistic categories all focused around what I care about most in life.
When it comes to the efficacy of marine and general environmental conservation plans, it's important to remember that goals such as successful restoration for endangered species like green sea turtles can never be achieved if estimations of a studied population are incorrect in the first place.
I'll be completely honest: the details scare the living daylights out of me. A map projecting lost communities and landmarks from sea-level rise showed my neighborhood completely submerged if smart responses aren't implemented. This can be visualized full-force with the calculated impact on transportation in the area.
While freediving in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia's Lady Elliot Island, photographer Kristian Laine spotted something that at first took him aback. Was his camera malfunctioning? Somehow, some way, the belly of the manta ray he was seeing through the lens appeared to be a vivid pink color.
If you've never encountered or learned about horseshoe crabs before, I have a treat for you. One of my absolute favorite marine species, these oddly charming marine arthropods get their name from their horseshoe-shaped exoskeleton, called a carapace.
While we've come a long way in the past century in regards to ocean exploration, many people may not realize just how much of our ocean is still unexplored.
While the natural beauty of Florida leaves me in awe in countless ways, one aspect of its natural glory tends to leave me speechless: the Everglades. From the graceful herons, cranes and egrets gliding through the slightly salty air to the calming vision of manatees making their way along coastal mangroves, there's just something about the wetlands of Florida-especially those protected from manmade development-that just seems to enable me to take a deep breath.
Grandmothers. The matriarchs of family units, our female elders are some of the most influential individuals in our lives, both as children and as we grow into our own in adulthood. Could this special dynamic be present in other species besides humans?
You may have seen them in the news before. Whether happened upon by scuba divers or spotted by fishermen, one big question always pops up about this fish: what is it? One of the most strikingly unique looking fish in the ocean, Mola mola (or sunfish) seem to spark an incomparable curiosity in people.
A studied recently published in the scientific journal Biology Letters announced an alarming new finding: while microplastics themselves might not be 'living,' they're now making their way out of the aquatic environments they're polluting and traveling to other food chains.
While all seabirds are beautiful in their own right, I personally don't think any species out there compares to the unquestionable fabulousness of Sula nebouxii, or the blue-footed booby. Belonging to the order Suliformes, these creatures are cousins to pelicans, but have quite a few trademarks that make them fascinatingly unique and all the more lovable.
We all love the ocean and the incredibly diverse array of wildlife that grace its waters, but not many people may realize just how threatened many of our ocean's animals truly are. From whales and sea turtles to sharks and seals, there's an ocean of risk out there when it comes to these animal's ability to survive.
Found in both tropical and temperate waters all across the globe, seahorses are arguably one of the most distinctive and charismatic marine wildlife species in existence. Ranging in length from over a foot to under one inch, there are more than 40 known species of these 'horses of the sea' recorded by scientists to date.
When it comes to ocean plastics, there are a number of images we paint within our minds. From plastic bottles and straws to food wrappers and single-use grocery bags, most of us are well aware that an ever-growing flood of garbage is entering our ocean on a daily basis.
The Red List of Threatened Species, produced and managed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is known globally as the world's most comprehensive catalog of the current conservation status of living species. This morning, the publication was updated to reflect the latest assessments of plant and animal species worldwide, including marine species, and the new numbers are shocking.
This bill enables a handful of programming touch points to be implemented in this Administration's work. Firstly, it provides modifications to the Marine Debris Program that ensure the Department of State works with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to work toward global marine debris solutions.
2018 has been a year for the books when it comes to ocean discoveries. With the vast majority of the world's marine ecosystems still yet to be seen by human eyes, there is so much more we have yet to uncover throughout our great ocean.
It's that time of year again: the International Coastal Cleanup is right around the corner! In less than two weeks, hundreds of thousands of volunteers will come together to pick up trash from coastlines and waterways all across the globe. When it comes to our ocean, marine debris poses a serious threat to wildlife, ocean-based economies and coastal communities alike.
Sea stars are possibly one of the most recognizable and iconic of all marine wildlife species, and a coastal classic when it comes to shoreline visits. Yet, there's so much more than meets the eye when it comes to these seemingly simple creatures.
National Mountain Climbing Day is Tuesday, August 1st! Highest Elevation: 14,497 ft. The highest point in both the United States and the Sierra Nevada, Mount Whitney is known by many hikers as one of the steepest, most difficult ranges to climb in the continental United States. Highest Elevation: 14,411 ft.
Usually, we love when sea turtles are in the news. But one particular headline that's been grabbing the attention of millions this month has captivated us as well. On January 8th, news of a study-gone-viral started to turn heads.
Did you know October 8th is World Octopus Day? In celebration of these mysterious, sometimes cute ...
It's Sea Otter Awareness Week!! While the title of cutest animal ever may be up for debate, we know that sea otters are definitely in the running. Sea otters are just as full of interesting characteristics as they are full of cuteness!
Get ready, because November is Manatee Awareness Month! You may know West Indian manatees are one of the most adorable and graceful creatures in areas like the Gulf of Mexico, but there are some things about them that may truly surprise you. These nine facts will lead you to an even greater appreciation for 'sea cows.'
Just in time for World Wetlands Day 2018, we've got some of the coolest, wildest facts about these incredibly fertile and diversity-rich ecosystems. From the marshes of the Gulf to the Great Dismal Swamp, some of our most fascinating natural wonders may lie in some of the most unexpected places.
The 2017 holiday season is upon us, and no matter where we go, it seems we can't escape the joyful music, vibrant light displays and perfectly wrapped gift displays alongside shop window setups. Every other commercial on television is about a special sale for this time of year, and Facebook is flooding with fun-filled holiday recipes to try.
Even though riding a motorcycle is thrilling, enjoyable, relaxing and exhilarating it can also be risky. As with most things in life, being prepared is the key to staying safe and avoiding accidents.
Here at Ocean Conservancy, we get countless requests for all things sea-related-including our best book recommendations for ocean lovers. The beginning of January is the perfect time to curl up with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate and a start a new book (or three), and Ocean Conservancy's staff has pitched in with their best recommendations, just in time for the new year.
We're pretty focused on science here at Ocean Conservancy, but who doesn't love a scary story ...
While there are countless inspiring women in the motorcycle world today, these five Instagram profiles show off exactly why women who ride are so awesome. Check out the pics and profiles below to read about and see exactly what we mean.
When you spend your days looking at the thousands of bikes for sale on Cycle Trader - you can bet we've seen just about every bike out there. We've come across the good, the bad, the beautiful, and (what some people would call) the ugly... and quite a few seriously weird rides as well.
We know that once you have one powersports unit, it's hard not to have a few. And in the warmer months, getting out on the water seems like the obvious choice. Over the course of the last few months, we've noticed quite a few online resources go viral online when it comes to go-to articles, reviews, and more for personal watercraft enthusiasts, and we realized something.
You know that nervous feeling you get at the top of your chest, that crease in your brow that always seems permanently engrained when nothing in your life seems guaranteed... That frosty sense of mental fog that drifts into your mind's forefront when all that makes you feel most secure in this world is thrown off kilter?
Did you know that April is Keep America Beautiful Month? Did you know that April is Keep America Beautiful Month? Here at RV Trader, we're committed to helping you make the most of RVing, whether that means getting the most bang for your buck during the purchase process or uncovering the best tips and tricks for the on-the-go RV lifestyle.
Both direct and indirect physical and psychological benefits of animal companionship have long been acknowledged by both scholars and citizens alike. Yet, the relative amount of measurable evidence to validate such benefits seems to float significantly below human radar when it comes to common societal knowledge. While certainly younger as an experimental field, the scientific study of human-animal interaction and subsequent biological effects on the psychosocial human experience is one more...
With dense, rich greenery surrounding an incredible 80-foot triple waterfall, this awe-inspiring environment of limestone caves and picturesque picnicking spots offers an ideal destination for weddings, special events, and impromptu day trips alike.
Cycle Trader's Challenge for the Kids encourages riders to get out on the road and log their traveled miles in Rever, a newly launched app that brings motorcycle enthusiasts together in the simplest yet most incredible way.
Collection of freelanced copy, written for a newly launched travel agency in Williamsburg, VA.
Small Business Week Special: Believe it - These 5 businesses all operate out of RVs In honor of April's recent Small Business Week, we're rounding up a new series and heading into the month of May with a special focus on small businesses curated by genius entrepreneurs- and best of all, they are each all fully functioning out of campers, trailers, and motorhomes.
One of the best parts about RVing is the ability to go anywhere in the country from the comfort of your home - and the possibilities are, q...
Well, to keep things short - the answer's yes! However, what's so critically important for all RVers to keep in mind when it comes to health and fitness in relation to vacationing is the actual nature of "our type" of vacation.
One of the best parts about RVing is the fact that you really can do it all year round- who ever said it needed to be summertime for us to enjoy the outdoors and embrace adventures? Yet, there are certain RV destinations that are perfect to visit in very specific seasons.
You may have heard the term "boondocking" before, but what exactly is it? While many established campgrounds or parks tend to charge a fee for overnight parking, but have you ever considered parking just slightly outside the campsite, perhaps a mile or two away?
It's common for drivers to occasionally come across driving laws they've never heard, but did you know that there are a number of bizarre laws for motorcyclists, too? We've compiled a list of the most eyebrow-raising legislation out there so you will be in the know when you get on the road.
10 of This Year's Must-Have Moto Accessories No matter your age, gender, or what type of motorcycle you ride, there's one thing you can be sure of - accessories are sometimes what makes or breaks the riding experience.
Here at RV Trader, we are constantly striving to provide you with the most up-to-date information on new and improved technology to help you boost your dealership's digital footprint and further measure business success.
Whether you're roadtripping through the mountains or taking a quick weekend getaway to the lake, RVing can show us some of the greatest joys and frustrations that traveling has to give. Now that technology has come such a long way, however, we now have tools that enable us to make the good times even better by decreasing the chances of motorhome issues arising, whether maintenance or traffic-related.
Look, don't even say you love apples until you've been to this down-home fall celebration. Originally held in the early 1960s to promote the area's local apple market, the festival eventually became so popular amongst both locals and travelers alike that it beat out the nearest competition for fall fun - the Johnson County Fair.
No matter where your motorcycle journeys take you, bikers often want to know find where they can find the best bars for bikers and restaurants that are "motorcycle friendly." This is the first edition of our new series bringing you the ultimate guide to the best bars and food stops in each and every state.
Are you signed up to attend this year's Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, Florida? After reading this article, you'll definitely want to make sure you are! Here are our top 15 reasons you've got to be there for the 2017 show! The show is formally recognized as the largest RV show in the country.
Big news for the snowmobile world came earlier this week. Textron Inc. (TXT), an industrial, aircraft and automotive manufacturing company, has announced that it will be acquiring Arctic Cat Inc. (ACAT) as a new addition to its Specialized Vehicles business for approximately $247 million.
The consumer's pre-purchase path now has more touch points than just phone calls and emails.
Dealerships can more easily identify trends, adjust their product and marketing mix, and maximize the ROI of their digital advertising program. Cycle Trader, a division of Dominion Enterprises, was recently honored as part of Powersports Business magazine's Nifty 50 list for its newly released tool -- Dealer Center.
These apps not only make it easier for consumers to find their dream unit, but also significantly expand the online marketplace for powersports sellers. Cycle Trader, a division of Dominion Enterprises, has released the Snowmobile Trader and PWC Trader apps to complement its industry-leading sites.
"We couldn't have dreamed of a more deserving winner for this giveaway," said Paige Bouma, vice president of RV Trader. "We can't wait to hear about all of the incredible places Patty and her husband visit in their new RV."
We're creating a seamless transition for consumers to shop, submit inquiries and buy the RV that best fits their lifestyle, no matter where they begin their search." RV Trader, a division of Dominion Enterprises, is offering a new inventory tool that allows consumers to shop local inventory directly from the CrossRoads RV website.
It's no secret that Instagram has become one of the most prominent social media platforms and the idea behind it is actually pretty simple - a digital online scrapbook. With nearly 600 million users as of December 2016, interacting with your audience on Instagram is a great way to showcase your dealership in a very visual and engaging way.
Rather than buying a brand new RV, have you thought about purchasing an older unit and remodeling it with a custom design tailored to your preferences and style? While this may seem intimidating in terms of scope and scale, RV renovation projects can actually be some of the most fulfilling.
You all know you love each other. Whether it's just you and your partner on your first trip or your 35th vacay with your squad of seven, it's no secret that vacations and road trips are a much-needed way to escape, relax, and recharge.
Hudson and Emily are a 25-year-old husband and wife - but they're anything but your average American couple. They both have Masters degrees in Business Administration. Both of them love to travel and adventure the world.
11 states. 3,098.9 miles. Just one depiction of what your next cross-country RV trip could look like, VA to CA...
This week, PowerSports Business published an incredibly valuable article for powersports and motorcycle dealers by mobile industry expert Ron Cariker. Pointing out the obvious overwhelm that can be pushed onto dealerships when they're told that they'll fail without a digitized mobile presence, Cariker decided it was time to take a step back.