Take a Walk with Birkenstock

A traveling Smithsonian exhibit just opened at the Watkins Museum, here in Lawrence. The exhibit was supposed to take place at Haskell Indian Nations University, also in Lawrence, but federal budge...

The Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff, AZ preserves a marvelous example of the Arts and Crafts movement in architecture. That movement was a reaction to the Industrial Revolution, ma...

In 1983 Congress enacted what would become known as the Rails-to-Trails Act. This act made it quicker and easier for concerned citizens to imagine alternate uses to abandoned rail lines, advocate f...

I grew up in Wichita. I couldn't wait to escape to Lawrence to attend KU. That is a typical adolescent's response to their hometown. Over decades my tune changed. I have rediscovered the many good ...

Like most Americans, I love the National Parks. Every year attendance at the National Parks keeps going up. The parks are our shared treasure capable of providing truly magical experiences which ke...

California has the giant redwood trees. India has the Great Banyan Tree. Africa has the baobab tree. New Zealand has the Tāne Mahuta, the giant kauri tree. Not to be outdone, the Great Plains has t...

Two grains of sand met on a deserted beach outside of what is now Minneapolis, Kansas. Iron oxide, calcium carbonate, and pressure cemented their relationship. Other grains of sand followed suit an...

When I was growing up, Mount Rushmore was assumed to be synonymous with patriotism. My elementary and junior high classes taught history, which was designed to create better future citizens. My sch...

My Mother embroidered the oak tree quote, framed it, and hung it on her bedroom wall. It was a daily reminder to maintain patience and a positive attitude. Cork oak trees can live up to 200 years. ...