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    <title>Outdoors</title>
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    <description>Latest local news from The Durango Herald.</description>
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        <link>https://tcr.durangoherald.com/tears-of-joy-for-demi-vollering-after-winning-the-womens-tour-de-france-for-the-second-time/</link>
        <title>Tears of joy for Demi Vollering after winning the Women’s Tour de France for the second time</title>
        <description>Vollering becomes second female cyclist to win all three Grand Tours</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2026 14:01:48 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Netherlands' Demi Vollering celebrates as she crosses the finish line to win the ninth stage of the Women's Tour de France cycling race (Tour de France Femmes) in Nice, France, Sunday. Philippe Magoni/AP PhotoVollering becomes second female cyclist to win all three Grand ToursAfter winning the Women's Tour de France for the second time on Sunday, Demi Vollering tried hard to hold back tears while the Dutch national anthem played.It was her toughest moment of the day after an ultra-dominant performance on the bike from the 2023 champion.She secured an impressive stage win, and in doing so extended her overall lead over Polish rider Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney to 1 minute, 18 seconds clear of the 2024 champion.Vollering raised her bike in the air moments after crossing the finish line in Nice. Niewiadoma-Phinney had started Sunday's ninth and final stage only eight seconds behind Vollering, who got a time bonus for winning it.Winner Netherlands' Demi Vollering, center, celebrates on the podium with Poland's Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney, center left, and Italy's Elisa Longo Borghini, center right, after the Women's Tour de France cycling race (Tour de France Femmes) in Nice, France, on Sunday. Philippe Magoni/AP PhotoFinally, as the Dutch anthem ended, a lone tear trickled down the side of Vollering's face. A few more soon followed as her achievement hit home.“It's not only the dream of winning the Tour de France. It's also the dream of living this life, of working hard along with passionate people,” the 29-year-old Vollering said. “It all starts with dreaming. Go chase the dreams and don't let anyone stop you.”Nobody could on Sunday.Knowing that she was well clear, Vollering began to celebrate as the line approached, raising her arm in triumph and then tapping her head with her finger to show her mental strength.“I was thinking about a lot of things as I was approaching the finish line. I thought that I had never won in the yellow jersey before,” Vollering said. “I thought about how much work has gone into this victory. I thought about the people who have been behind me.”She finished the stage 1 minute, 4 seconds ahead of Spaniard Paula Blasi Cairol and Niewiadoma-Phinney, who looked tired but was all smiles later on the podium.Former Giro d'Italia champion Elisa Longo Borghini of Italy was third overall in the Tour – 4:29 behind – after Marlen Reusser lost valuable time after crashing going downhill after the second of the day's four climbs.Reusser ended up 14th overall at nearly 26 minutes behind.Vollering attacksNiewiadoma-Phinney had it all to do on the final climb, especially with her rival sitting on her wheel, and was unable to pressure Vollering.Vollering attacked about 800 meters from the top and dropped Niewiadoma-Phinney – as she did when winning Saturday's eighth stage to take the overall lead from her rival.Two years ago, Vollering missed out on Tour victory after finishing an agonizing four seconds behind Niewiadoma-Phinney on the last stage.She made full amends this time.Vollering has now won five Grand Tours, including two Spanish Vuelta titles and the Giro d'Italia secured in June to join countrywoman Annemiek van Vleuten as the only other female cyclist to have won all three Grand Tours.“I still have a lot of dreams,” Vollering said. “On and off the bike.”Four climbsEach of the first three climbs on Sunday was 7.7 kilometers long with a 5.9% average gradient. But the final ascent branched off onto a slightly different route which, even though it was shorter at 6 kilometers, had a steeper average gradient of 7.6% with one portion stretching to a grueling 12%.It made little difference.After winning Friday's seventh stage with an impressive solo attack of her own up the iconic Mont Ventoux, Niewiadoma-Phinney seemed short of energy and Vollering's lead was never under threat.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tcr.durangoherald.com/preller-overcomes-course-change-on-way-to-winning-sixth-straight-asaayi-bike-race/</link>
        <title>Preller overcomes course change on way to winning sixth straight Asaayi Bike Race</title>
        <description>Tom Preller rides ahead of the pack, approaching the finish line on his way to his sixth consecutive title in the Assayi Bike Race, coming in with a time of 38 minutes and 57 seconds. (Truman Begaye/Special to the Tri-City...</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 10:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Tom Preller rides ahead of the pack, approaching the finish line on his way to his sixth consecutive title in the Assayi Bike Race, coming in with a time of 38 minutes and 57 seconds. (Truman Begaye/Special to the Tri-City Record)Truman BegayeASAAYI LAKE — The course changed, but the result remained the same.Cyclist Tom Preller continued his dominance of the Asaayi Bike Race on Saturday, winning the men's division for the sixth consecutive year despite organizers being forced to redesign the course because of construction near Crystal.Preller, from Page, Arizona, completed the 16.8-mile out-and-back course in 38:57, finishing more than six minutes ahead of runner-up Jesse Frizzell of Aztec, who crossed the finish line in 45:05. The victory extended a remarkable run for Preller, who has won every Asaayi Bike Race since 2020 after finishing second to Brandon Benally in 2019.“Six in a row,” Preller said. “I love this race. I love what Tom (Riggenbach) and NavajoYES have been doing for the community and the reservation. It gets us out early to do a bike race on the rez.”Traditionally, the Asaayi Bike Race begins near the south entrance to Asaayi Lake along Navajo Route 31 and climbs roughly 20 miles through the Chuska Mountains before finishing at the Narbona Pass Picnic Area. This year's construction near Crystal forced organizers to abandon the signature mountain climb in favor of a shorter out-and-back course that emphasized speed over endurance.For Preller, that meant changing both strategy and pacing.“The change in course makes you change the strategy,” he said. “This is a flatter race than finishing up in the mountains, so you don't have to save energy for that long climb. But it also means anyone can make a charge on the flats.”Even with the flatter course, Preller steadily increased his lead while relying on consistent training.Sarah Scott (middle) from Farmington wears no. 89 while riding along with the pack. She won the female category of the Asaayi Race, her third time in a row with a time of 52 minutes and 30 seconds. (Truman Begaye/Special to the Tri-City Record)Truman Begaye“I have the advantage of being at the right age and training often,” he said. “In fact, I'm on track to ride 10,000 miles this year.”Frizzell continued his steady improvement in the event with his highest finish yet.“It's an amazing race. I love this place,” Frizzell said. “The views are incredible.”Saturday marked his third appearance in the race.“This is my best finish,” he said. “Last year I was eighth and the year before that I was fourth.”Frizzell knew catching Preller would be a difficult task.“I tried to keep up for as long as I could,” he said. “I red-lined it all the way through, but I'll take the runner-up finish.”Gilbert Ben of Montezuma Creek finished third in 46:40 after another strong showing in the Tour de Rez series.“I finished second at Navajo Mountain behind Tom,” Ben said. “I've been training quite a bit this year and it's paid off.”In the women's race, Farmington cyclist Sarah Scott captured her third consecutive Asaayi title, finishing in 52:30. Her time also placed her ninth overall among all riders.Scott admitted she nearly skipped this year's race before encouragement from fellow cyclists convinced her otherwise.“I wasn't in riding shape this year,” Scott said with a laugh. “But it's good enough to ride.”A member of the Bisti Badlands Bike Shop riding group, Scott said she enjoyed the revised course.“The course was fun in this format,” she said. “You basically ride down as fast as you can and turn around and climb back to the start. It's different from the usual long climb.”Scott credited her riding group for helping keep her motivated despite the closure of the local bike shop.“We ride every weekend about 20 to 30 miles,” she said. “We try to stay as organized as possible even with the closure of the shop.”The Asaayi Bike Race typically attracts nearly 60 riders each year and serves as one of two road races in the Tour de Rez cycling series, which also includes events at Navajo Mountain, Chilchinbeto, Beclabito and Chuska Mountain. The final stop of the Tour de Rez season will be the Chuska Challenge in September.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tcr.durangoherald.com/international-mud-day-highlights-the-value-of-messy-outdoor-play/</link>
        <title>International Mud Day highlights the value of messy outdoor play</title>
        <description>The day serves as a reminder that some of the most valuable childhood learning happens outside</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:16:01 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[International Mud Day celebrates messy outdoor play that builds creativity, resilience and learning in children worldwide. Photo credit: Pexels via APThe day serves as a reminder that some of the most valuable childhood learning happens outsideEvery year on June 29, International Mud Day celebrates something many modern childhoods have lost: unstructured, messy outdoor play. Across schools and early learning centers worldwide, children are encouraged to dig, squish, splash and build with mud. What looks like chaos turns into an important part of development.The celebration comes at a time when research continues to highlight the benefits of outdoor play. A ResearchGate study last November found active outdoor play is consistently linked to higher physical activity levels, reduced sedentary behavior and improved mental well-being in children, especially compared with indoor play environments. These findings reinforce a consensus among child development experts that movement-rich, unstructured play supports both physical and emotional health.Messy play matters for child developmentExperts note that outdoor environments provide sensory-rich experiences that cannot be fully replicated indoors. Uneven textures, natural materials and open-ended spaces encourage children to explore, problem-solve and regulate their emotions through play. These findings are supported by a 2025 study which highlights measurable benefits of outdoor play for both physical health and cognitive development, including improved motor skills, attention and problem-solving abilities.The outdoors has natural materials such as mud, soil and plants that support curiosity-driven exploration and creative thinking. In practical terms, mud becomes more than dirt. It becomes a tool for imagination, motor skill development and social learning, as children collaborate, build and experiment in real time without fixed outcomes.For many families, this kind of play also reconnects children with nature in everyday settings. Simple outdoor discoveries, from identifying types of flowers and plants to noticing seasonal changes, often become entry points to deeper environmental awareness.The modern shift away from unstructured outdoor playDespite these benefits, childhood play has become increasingly structured and screen centered. Experts have noted a steady decline in unstructured outdoor time, replaced by scheduled activities or indoor entertainment.A study published by the American Psychological Association reframes the conversation around screen use and kids, not as a discipline problem, but as a cycle that's hard to break. Researchers meta-analyzed 117 studies covering more than 292,000 children worldwide and found that increased screen time can lead to emotional and behavioral problems, and that kids with those problems then turn to screens to cope.This shift has had a quiet but meaningful effect on how children experience free time. Moments that once involved digging in dirt, building with sticks, climbing trees, foraging for wild berries to make juniper berry tea and inventing outdoor games are now often filled with passive digital consumption.For many families, International Mud Day serves as a reminder that simple, messy, outdoor play is not just nostalgic. It is a powerful counterbalance to the highly stimulating digital environments that increasingly dominate childhood.Schools and parents re-embracing outdoor messIn response to growing awareness of the developmental benefits of outdoor play, many schools and early childhood programs are reintroducing outdoor mud kitchens, sensory gardens and forest play areas. These spaces allow children to engage with natural materials in structured but flexible ways.The Wild School in Houston, Texas, is a fully outdoor program where children learn through daily nature immersion in all weather. Students explore trails, build, observe wildlife and use mud kitchens and sensory play areas, blending early academics with hands-on, curiosity-driven learning centered in the natural environment.Parents are also gradually shifting their attitudes. While clean indoor environments were once prioritized, more families now recognize the benefits of outdoor mess. Parents are pushing back against screen-centered routines and deliberately choosing simpler, low-tech outdoor activities because they value the physical, emotional and developmental benefits of being outside, according to Life Is Better Outside.Nature-based learning environments incorporate seasonal exploration, in which children interact with plants, soil and weather changes as part of everyday play. This led to a renewed interest in “loose parts play,” where natural materials like sticks, stones and pine cones are used as toys. Even overlooked natural elements, such as plants often dismissed as just purple weeds, can become part of sensory learning.International Mud Day celebrates the fun of getting dirtyAround the world, International Mud Day is celebrated with community events that encourage children to engage with outdoor environments. Schools set up mud pits, sensory stations and water play areas, while educators guide children through open-ended activities that prioritize exploration over instruction.National Today's International Mud Day Guide recommends families and schools to take a mud bath by mixing soil and water in a small inflatable pool, build an entire mud city with castles and roads in the backyard or host a mud-cake decorating party using buckets of mud, spoons and muffin tins. These playful setups turn ordinary dirt into a tool for creativity, collaboration and imaginative storytelling.One community that has made Mud Day a local tradition is the Ithaca Children's Garden in Ithaca, New York, where Mud Day events bring children and families together for hands-on outdoor play and exploration. Participants gather to squish, sculpt and experiment with mud in a natural garden setting, combining sensory play with creative activities designed to foster curiosity and connection with the earth.The focus is not on cleanliness or structure, but on experience. Children build, dig, splash and collaborate, often returning to the same activity for long periods of time without formal direction.Mud still mattersInternational Mud Day serves as a reminder that some of the most valuable childhood learning happens outside, away from screens and structured routines. In a world where play is increasingly digital and scheduled, mud offers something simple but essential: space to explore, create and learn without limits.Kristen Wood is a photographer, recipe developer, writer, gardener and creator of Schisandra and Bergamot, a botanical blog. She is also the author of “Vegetarian Family Cookbook,” “Fermented Hot Sauce Cookbook” and “Hot Sauce Cookbook for Beginners.” Her work has been featured in various online and print publications, including Healthline, Martha Stewart, Yoga Journal, Willow and Sage Magazine, Forbes, Chicago Sun-Times, NBC and more.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tcr.durangoherald.com/why-eat-junk-on-a-camping-trip/</link>
        <title>Why eat junk on a camping trip?</title>
        <description>Tips and recipes for nutritious food on the trail</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 11:07:43 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=1829272D-F43F-556F-AFC6-F667DC5DE5BE&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=0.05625&#038;y=1.0E-5&#038;crop_w=0.88875&#038;crop_h=0.99999" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Rashad Frazier prepares food on a beach on Manatí, Puerto Rico, on Jan. 20, 2025. Alex Forestier via APTips and recipes for nutritious food on the trailFew things feel better than a long hike in the woods, exhausting yourself as you soak in the fresh air and tranquility. Then, back to camp, where you chip away at those health benefits with packaged hot dogs slapped into a white-bread bun with a slice of plasticky processed cheese food.It doesn't have to be that way, said Aaron Owens Mayhew, a dietitian and long-haul trekker in Orcutt, California.“It always made me sad that people who train so hard, they exercise, they eat well at home, and then they go backpacking and pick up honey buns,” Owens Mayhew said.Getting outside generally improves mental and physical health. But too often, campers and hikers resort to the convenience of processed foods high in saturated fat, salt and sugar.Here's how to rethink campsite cooking to eat healthy while acting healthy.Eat outdoors what you eat at homeMany people rightly assume that a little processed food is fine, especially when you're exerting outsize energy that can help counter excess calories. The problem lies in the way the body processes it, said Owens Mayhew, who founded Backcountry Foodie, a website dedicated to bringing nutrition to the trail.Simple carbohydrates like sugary baked goods and candy bars can cause rapid blood glucose spikes followed by a sharp drop, leaving hikers more fatigued than before. Meanwhile, heavily processed foods tend to be dense in calories but lacking the vitamins, minerals and protein the body needs to perform well.A healthy diet can provide consistent energy throughout the day and improved recovery.“I like to think of food as one variable that can be controlled, unlike a sprained ankle or bad weather,” Owens Mayhew said.She said the best way to eat in the wilderness is to find ways to continue eating the food you normally do at home. Instead of frying bacon and eggs on the fire because that's what you did at camp as a kid, have that bran cereal you eat every morning, this time with powdered milk (find it in the baking aisle).Many of the recipes on Owens Mayhew's website are healthier versions of her family's classic recipes, including tuna casserole, garlic-Parmesan noodles and sweet potato casserole. As a supplement to grilled meat or fish, she suggested packing instant brown rice, quinoa and couscous, which are lightweight, healthy and require only boiled water.To boost flavor, add fresh ginger, herbs, or garlic or onion powder. Adding nuts, dried mushrooms, grated Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes or dried fruit turns the starch into a meal of its own.Rashad Frazier prepares food outdoors in Lava Lands, Oregon, on Aug. 7, 2024. Alex Forestier via APPrep meals at home and assemble at campCooking at camp is much harder than when you're comfortably home in your kitchen, so winging it is usually a bad idea, said Rashad Frazier, founder of Camp Yoshi, a gourmet adventure outfitter.Well before a trip, take time to plan meals and prep as many ingredients as will stay fresh in zip-top bags or containers. Chopping onions or grating fresh ginger at home frees time to enjoy the sunset and spend time with family when you're outdoors.“There's no extra bonus points for cutting onions and making mango chutney at camp,” he said.Frazier's cookbook, “Cook Out,” devotes a section to pantry ingredients that can be prepped at home. His universal spice mix, salsa verde, chutneys, curry paste, pickled onions and other flavor boosters pack a punch without adding many calories. They can be mixed and matched, he said, with whatever meat, vegetables or grains you have.Also, always have an emergency backup meal for when bad weather or other factors ruin your plans, Frazier said. His is a Bolognese sauce that he keeps in the freezer until leaving. But a homemade pureed soup or even peanut butter and jelly can be a lifesaver.“Have that one dish that's always like, in the event of emergency, break glass, eat this,” he said.Two recipes to elevate campsite cooking:Rashad Frazier's Universal Camping Spice MixFrom the cookbook “Cook Out ”Ingredients1 tablespoon kosher salt1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper1 teaspoon smoked paprika1 teaspoon thyme1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne (adjust to spice preference)DirectionsMix at home and put into a sealed container. Rub onto any meat, fish or vegetable before cooking on a well-oiled grill.___Backcountry Foodie's Parmesan Pesto RamenOne servingIngredients:1 package ramen noodles2 tablespoons pine nuts or almonds1 tablespoon dried basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh, if available)1/8 teaspoon garlic powder1/8 teaspoon table salt2 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese3 tablespoons olive oil6 oz waterDirectionsAt home, discard the ramen's high-salt seasoning packet. Create a pesto packet by putting the nuts, herbs, garlic and cheese into a small baggie. At camp, boil water to cook the pasta, discard the water when tender, and stir in the pesto packet and oil. Tear fresh basil if you have it and stir it in.___The recipe for Universal Camping Spice Mix is excerpted from “Cook Out: Recipes and Tips for the Great Outdoors” by Rashad Frazier, courtesy of 4 Color Books.The recipe for Parmesan Pesto Ramen comes from the website “Backcountry Foodie.”___EDITOR'S NOTE: Albert Stumm writes about food, travel and wellness. Find his work at https://www.albertstumm.com]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tcr.durangoherald.com/some-anglers-praise-forward-facing-sonar-others-say-high-tech-fishing-ruins-a-day-at-the-lake/</link>
        <title>Some anglers praise forward-facing sonar, others say high-tech fishing ruins a day at the lake</title>
        <description>Tens of millions of people fish recreationally each year in the U.S.</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:42:00 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Terry Rehm points out a fish on his forward looking sonar system Saturday, May 23, in Nowthen, Minnesota. Mark Vancleave/AP PhotoTens of millions of people fish recreationally each year in the U.S.BISMARCK, North Dakota – Ah, the serenity of fishing.Just an angler, a fishing pole and maybe thousands of dollars worth of sonar equipment offering an exact image of what that walleye or bass is doing in the watery depths below.It's called forward-facing sonar, and the hot-selling products are not only helping anglers increase their catch, they are raising questions about why people go fishing in the first place and whether fish populations can survive the new technology.“You've got people that are concerned about what's going to happen to the sport of fishing,” said Gary Korsgaden, who has written about the sport for decades.How fishing with sonar worksFish-finding sonar is typically mounted on the bow or back of a boat, sending out sound frequencies that are converted into a picture on a screen based on the time it takes the pings to hit the bottom and return. Earlier products would show where fish were located, but advancements now enable anglers to see images of fish in real time.Terry Rehm points out a fish on his forward looking sonar system Saturday, May 23, in Nowthen, Minnesota. Mark Vancleave/AP Photo“With forward-facing sonar, you can attach it to a trolling motor and you can look around the water under you and you could find exactly, pinpoint where that fish exactly is at any given time,” said Dave Dunn, a sales executive at Garmin, a company that manufactures the equipment.Dunn notes the equipment, which costs about $2,500 for a full setup, enables anglers to even see their lures and cast directly to fish. It does have a learning curve.For Minnesota angler Terry Rehm, the new technology is invaluable. Rehm said he doesn't get a lot of lake time due to his work and kids' schedules and forward-facing sonar ensures he makes good use of his time plying the waters.“It's just nice to be able to hone in on them a little quicker and find them quicker and catch more fish when I'm out here,” he said.Growing use of the technologyTens of millions of people fish recreationally each year, making it one of the nation's top activities.But people fish for different reasons and those who care most about the tranquility and beauty of being on a lake can find it puzzling that other anglers eagerly hunch over their screens, watching as fish swim by below.Terry Rehm casts for fish Saturday, May 23, in Nowthen, Minnesota. Mark Vancleave/AP PhotoStill, the use of the technology is growing dramatically, with surveys in Minnesota finding about 30% of anglers now use forward-facing sonar. Surveys of anglers on several Minnesota lakes found the user rate as high as 63% on one lake last fall, Walleye Alliance spokesperson Nate Blasing said.Much of the debate around forward-facing sonar plays out on social media, but also podcasts, online fishing forums, trade shows and tournaments.“It's much like politics now. It tends to get personal. You can agree to disagree,” Blasing said.Criticisms and reactions go back and forth on social media, said Korsgaden, the fishing writer. He said tournament anglers have banned him from their Facebook pages for even raising the topic.“I think the unfortunate reality is fishing has gotten to be more about, shall we say, success or numbers or quantity, that type of thing, instead of the actual enjoyment of the engagement and making decisions on your own,” Korsgaden said.Sonar may make little differenceEven as anglers say the equipment helps ensure they will actually catch fish, some studies indicate it hasn't led to overfishing.Wisconsin researchers conducted a controlled experiment last year with two teams of anglers fishing for smallmouth bass, one with forward-facing sonar, the other without. Halfway through the summer, the teams switched.The team without the technology had higher catch rates, though the team using it caught slightly longer fish, said Greg Sass, fisheries research team leader with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Office of Applied Science. The sonar users searched more for fish before even fishing, while the other team spent more time actively fishing.Sass said he is reluctant to apply the study to all fish species and water bodies, but the findings “would be counterintuitive to what I'm hearing in the bait shops or from other people that are on both sides of the fence with technology,” he said. More studies are ahead, including for the muskie, a prized predator fish.Eric Sanft, a fisheries specialist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, said an analysis of lakes across the state didn't find “negative impacts” from the use of forward-facing sonar in fishing.Surveys by wildlife officers in Minnesota found people using forward-facing sonar ended up catching similar numbers and variety of fish as anglers who cast their lines the old-fashioned way.“To some degree, it can get scapegoated a little bit, and people's perceptions of what other people are doing is often different than what the reality is,” said Marc Bacigalupi, a regional fisheries supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.The department has proposed reducing the daily walleye limit from six fish to four, partially because of advancements in fish-finding technology, among other factors such as a boom in ice fishing, attention on hot spots from social media and lower limits in surrounding states.Fishing is about 'making memories'For Daren Schneider, a lifelong angler from Bismarck, North Dakota, forward-facing sonar has changed everything he thought he knew about fishing.When seeking walleye, for example, he thought you needed to catch them on or near the lake bottom, but after watching on sonar, he found “they do all kinds of things that you never thought a walleye would do.”The technology has enhanced his understanding of fish and his enjoyment of fishing, Schneider said.“Fishing isn't necessarily about catching fish and getting your limit or whatever,” he said. “It's about being out there and making memories, and if it's making memories with forward-facing sonar, why is that such a bad thing?”]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tcr.durangoherald.com/new-mexico-boosts-grant-funding-for-youth-outdoor-equity-program/</link>
        <title>New Mexico boosts grant funding for youth outdoor equity program</title>
        <description>Organizations can apply for grants up to $100,000</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 13:25:22 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=34BA5FBA-4C8E-5DDD-99E2-8D85B4ED36A7&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=0.05625&#038;y=1.0E-5&#038;crop_w=0.88875&#038;crop_h=0.99999" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[New Mexico economic officials announced larger outdoor recreation organizations serving New Mexico youth can apply for up to $100,000 in grant funding from the state. Michael Clark/Courtesy Outdoor Recreation DivisionOrganizations can apply for grants up to $100,000New Mexico’s Economic Development Department announced Monday a new level of grant funding through the state’s Outdoor Equity Fund that will make up to $100,000 available to organizations able to deliver “large-scale programming.”The state first established both its Outdoor Equity Fund and the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division in the state’s economic department in 2019, saying the effort would foster new experiences with land and water for New Mexico kids.Since then, state officials have awarded $10.5 million in grants for different programs, all through smaller grants of less than $40,000. Some of the featured recipients include the NACA Inspired Schools Network, which serves Indigenous students in New Mexico “by providing culturally relevant, land-based learning experiences”; and Silver Stallion Bicycle & Coffee Works, Inc., supporting youth mountain bike clubs and other services on the Navajo Nation.Now, larger programs — with a minimum $500,000 operating budget — can submit letters of interest for grants between $41,000 and $100,000.“This new funding tier reflects the growing demand for outdoor programs across New Mexico and the incredible work organizations are already doing in communities statewide,” Economic Development Secretary Rob Black said in a statement. “By increasing available funding, we can support programs reaching more youth with meaningful outdoor experiences that improve health, build confidence, strengthen communities and create lasting connections to the outdoors.”The state has not yet determined how much of the $4 million set aside grants this year will be used for the new higher tier, said Michelle Simon, the marketing and outreach coordinator for the Outdoor Recreation Division.The state will hold a mandatory webinar for prospective applicants on May 27, and requires all organizations seeking the higher level of funding to submit letters of interest by June 12.The window for all grants applications to the Outdoor Equity Fund opens July 1 and closes July 30.Source NM is an independent, nonprofit news organization that shines a light on governments, policies and public officials.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tcr.durangoherald.com/did-you-find-an-animal-nesting-near-your-house/</link>
        <title>Did you find an animal nesting near your house?</title>
        <description>Here&apos;s what to do</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 11:06:37 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=BAF24F77-1348-5B4D-B714-970AE5ED4F49&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=0.05625&#038;y=1.0E-5&#038;crop_w=0.88875&#038;crop_h=0.99999" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota medical director Dr. Agnes Hutchinson examines a baby rabbit that was brought into the center in Roseville, Minnesota, Thursday, April 30. Mark Vancleave/AP PhotoHere's what to doSpring is when wildlife from birds to deer to alligators nest or bear young, often close to humans. Wildlife experts say homeowners and passersby should leave nests and young animals alone. Some critters, such as mallards, can be a joy to watch. But others, such as geese and alligators, guard their nests aggressively. If a raccoon or fox makes a den out of a covered boat or camper, experts say installing a bright shop lamp will harmlessly send them on their way. A key rule for families with pets is to keep dogs and cats under control when critters are in the yard.For four years, a mallard has nested behind a bush near the front door of Caitlin Deal's home in a Minneapolis-St. Paul suburb, offering an up-close glimpse of nature for her young son and lessons for how people can coexist with wildlife.The duck, dubbed Martha by the family, sits on her nest for about a month every spring in the tree-lined neighborhood of Eagan, Minnesota. After her eggs hatch around Mother's Day, the birds toddle away.“It feels nice that she trusts that area, that she trusts us to be able to come back year after year,” said Deal, whose 4-year-old son Owen's first word was “Duck.”Spring is when wildlife – everything from birds to deer to alligators – bear their young, often in locations more suitable to humans than animals. Experts maintain that with a few exceptions and some preparation, coexisting with creatures usually is easy – and often a lot of fun.“My two biggest things are: Stay away from the nest or the little family as much as possible, and stay curious,” said Brittney Yohannes, a spokesperson for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota.Leave it aloneFind a nest or baby animal? Wildlife experts advise leaving it alone.Removing a nest can be illegal under federal law. If a bird has nested in a strange spot, homeowners can call their local wildlife agency for advice, said Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesperson Beth Quillian.Besides birds, people often find deer fawns curled up in a corner of their yard or by an air conditioning unit. The fawn may appear abandoned, but Quillian said the doe usually has hidden her babe while foraging.“That is to protect the fawn, to leave it there, sometimes hours at a time, but the doe will come back to that fawn, and that is natural and normal,” Quillian said.People should leave fawns alone unless there are clear signs they need help.A female mallard duck sits on eggs in her nest tucked next to the front door of a home in Eagan, Minnesota, Sunday, April 26. Mark Vancleave/AP PhotoProtective parentsAs cute as the animals may appear, people should remember that wildlife can be, well, wild.Ducks are docile on the nest, but Canada geese and swans can be aggressive, said John Coluccy, of the conservation group Ducks Unlimited. A goose can knock a person to ground and hit them hard enough to break a bone, he said.“They're very, very aggressive. They're long-lived and they protect their reproductive investment very vigorously,” Coluccy said.Quillian noted that in parts of the West, people may encounter elk calves, usually in forested and coastal areas, but possibly even near homes. Elk can weigh 500 pounds or more, and cow elk also are incredibly protective of their young.“It's amazing to see wildlife, to get that opportunity, but we have to give them distance, respect their space, especially when they have young,” she said.In Florida, alligators breed and nest from April to June. Female alligators often build nests that resemble piles of leaves, near ponds, retention basins and ditches. They aggressively guard their nests, often while hiding in water nearby, said North Florida Wildlife Center Animal Care Manager Darian Dowse.The key is to keep your distance from mounds of leaves and to keep dogs on sidewalks, away from shorelines.People with concerns about nests should call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Dowse said.Dealing with problemsSometimes animals like raccoons, squirrels or foxes will hole up with their young in spots that just don't work, such as in a covered boat.One solution that doesn't rely on live traps or hiring a pest control service is to install a shop lamp to flood the area with light, said Tami Vogel, executive director of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota. A mom will usually move her young within a couple days.People can also install metal mesh to close off sheds and decks, she said.Vogel said center staff try to educate people about their options.“We want them to know we're here as a safety net and what to look for if something goes wrong, and then the good news is, two weeks later, their neighbor may have a similar situation and they can pass along that information,” Vogel said.What about pets?Dogs and cats are predators, so the key is to keep them close.For Deal in Minnesota, a big concern for Martha's safety revolved around her family's dog, Piper, who loves to chase animals.Deal said the family made sure to keep Piper on a leash, and Martha didn't seem to mind.Rabbits are incredibly prolific in the Midwest and are one of the most common subjects of calls to the Minnesota center, in part because they nest in yards, Yohannes said.The center recommends placing a laundry basket over a nest during the day to keep dogs away, and removing it near evening so the mother can to tend to her young.“One of the best pieces of advice I can give is just understanding that that period of coexisting with this nest or this family will be temporary,” Yohannes said.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tcr.durangoherald.com/exploring-barefoot-trails-on-2-continents-as-a-way-to-connect-with-nature/</link>
        <title>Exploring barefoot trails on 2 continents as a way to connect with nature</title>
        <description>Walking shoeless on varied surfaces also may contribute to emotional well-being and overall foot health</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:21:21 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=7ED22B19-5BBC-5A4C-927B-09AA5F7B763D&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Shoes hang near the entrance of a barefoot trail near Flagstaff, Arizona, on Thursday, April 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Cheyanne Mumphrey)Walking shoeless on varied surfaces also may contribute to emotional well-being and overall foot healthGUTACH, Germany – At the edge of a trail in Germany's picturesque Black Forest region, waterlogged steps sink into ankle-deep water and mud, requiring careful footing. An ocean away, a sandy trail in the ponderosa forests of northern Arizona demands treading just as deliberately when walkers reach a line of tree stumps arranged as stepping stones.The pathways are located nearly 6,000 miles apart but share a notable feature: they were designed for visitors to use without wearing socks or shoes.Barefoot trails exist around the world, inviting people to get closer to nature through sounds and sensations. Feeling cool mud squish between toes, stepping on pine needles and exploring meditation caves, scent stations and dark rooms transform a routine walk into an immersive experience.Walking shoeless on varied surfaces also may contribute to emotional well-being and overall foot health, according to podiatrists and barefoot enthusiasts.Below, more about where and why some people are bringing themselves down to earth one step at a time.This photo provided by Katherine Hunt shows her children walking barefoot at the Park for All Senses, known locally as Park Mit Allen Sinnen, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Gutach, Germany. Katherine Hunt via APBarefoot trails as an environmental and health movementTheories about the benefits of going barefoot have gained popularity among runners and other athletes in recent decades, as well as with environmentalists and as an alternative mental health treatment, but the idea has been around for well over a century.Sebastian Kneipp, a 19th century German Catholic priest and early pioneer of naturopathy, promoted nature exposure, water therapy and barefoot walking as exercise and a way to stimulate circulation and support overall health, including immune function. He recommended walking barefoot over “dew-wet grass” or snow and is said to have called shoes “foot-bending machinery.”His philosophy inspired trails and paths across Europe, where they are sometimes known as Kneipp paths, and to a lesser extent in the United States. In Asia, reflexology trails made of stones, pebbles and grass are intended to stimulate acupressure points on the soles of the feet, a concept linked to traditional medical therapies.Germany's Park mit allen Sinnen, which in English translates to “park with all senses,” reflects a broader focus on wellness tourism in the Black Forest, which covers more than 2,317 square miles and where visitors can breath mountain air, soak in thermal baths and visit spas offering treatments that incorporate local plants and herbs.The park charges an admission fee. Its website says that meandering barefoot over the 1-mile-long trail's different surfaces “is ideal for exercising your back and spine, and at the same time, it's a perfect foot reflexology massage in the fresh air.”Leah Williams, the owner of The Barefoot Trail park near Flagstaff, Arizona, opened a manicured trail of the same length near Route 66 two years ago after a family trip in Europe. Tickets are required, though Williams operates the park as a nonprofit charitable foundation.Williams said her mother, who is from Germany, encouraged her to go barefoot as a child climbing trees and playing in the forests and creeks around Seattle – a practice Williams carried into adulthood and passed on to her own children. While living in the Netherlands, her family visited a barefoot trail in Belgium.“I loved everything about it. I saw all ages, and I loved seeing older people at the park because you don't see that here in the United States,” Williams said. “I thought, 'Wow, when I get back to the United States, I'm going to build one of these parks myself.'”She offers educational materials for schools, summer programs and camps to children who visit the park.“Being good stewards of nature is really our job as human beings, and we have taken 13 acres of land at our park for our community enjoyment, … for local, statewide and regional enjoyment,” Williams said, her eyes moist with emotion.A path of tree stumps lines a portion of a barefoot trail near Flagstaff, Arizona, on Thursday, April 16. Cheyanne Mumphrey/AP PhotoA sensory experienceMost people don't walk outside barefoot regularly, and exposing their tender feet to different textures, temperatures and types of contact can take getting used to.“You should see people's faces when they start walking,” Williams said, chuckling at the thought.While many parks with barefoot trails encourage users to walk the paths sans shoes, naked feet are not required. Guests with neuropathy, diabetes or other foot conditions are welcome to keep their shoes on at the parks in Arizona and Germany.Some barefoot trails are designed to engage multiple senses.At Park mit allen Sinnen, a sign that reads “Please be quiet” in German identifies a spot described as a meditation cave. Inside, a long bench faces tall windows overlooking the forest, and soft music plays through hidden speakers.Elsewhere at the park, visitors can squeeze red bulbs to release the scent of papaya or apricots, or place their hands inside a box filled with wild boar fur.Ditching the shoes step by step around the worldAustria, Denmark, France, Hungary, Switzerland and the U.K. are among other European countries with barefoot trails. Some are meant for local residents and not tourists, so finding them can prove difficult. Searching the terms “barefoot” or “barefoot paths” in the local language might help.In Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan, some public parks have pebble trails, which are walkways with smooth stones cemented into place that can be used for reflexology and foot massage.Similarly, there are so-called wellness parks and informal barefoot hikes on regular trails in the United States. But because of how rare they are in the U.S., Williams plans to expand the The Barefoot Trail concept elsewhere.The foundation recently received about 20 acres of land in a commercial and residential area of college town Lawrence, Kansas, to develop a park similar to the one she opened in Arizona.“The park will be one of the components of a larger commercial space being developed,” Williams said. “It's about integrating those natural environments into people's daily lives and providing those safe spaces for people to enjoy.”___Mumphrey reported from Flagstaff, Arizona.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tcr.durangoherald.com/decisions-by-guides-on-deadly-california-backcountry-trip-questioned/</link>
        <title>Decisions by guides on deadly California backcountry trip questioned</title>
        <description>Nine skiers were killed by the Feb. 17 avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:31:31 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[A memorial is seen at the Victory Highway Eagle in Downtown Truckee ahead of a vigil for the nine Castle Peak avalanche victims in Truckee, California, Sunday, Feb. 22. Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via AP, FileNine skiers were killed by the Feb. 17 avalanche in California’s Sierra NevadaTwo months after the deadliest avalanche in modern California history, an analysis by leading U.S. experts is questioning the decisions by the guides to lead such a large group through dangerous terrain amid avalanche warnings.The backcountry skiers were traveling in a tightly packed line, when the tour leaders with Blackbird Mountain Guides should have spaced them out to reduce the risk, according to the report prepared by the Sierra Avalanche Center and published Saturday on the National Avalanche Center site.“Exposing only one person at a time to avalanche terrain is an accepted best practice for backcountry travel,” the report said. “Analysis of past avalanche accidents has indicated that larger group sizes (4 or more people) have higher chances of being caught in avalanches.”Nine backcountry skiers were killed by the avalanche Feb. 17 in California's Sierra Nevada when a massive wall of snow plunged down a slope near Lake Tahoe. Six others survived.The report also noted that several members of the group wore avalanche air bag backpacks, but none of the lifesaving equipment deployed during the tragedy.A closed sign is partially buried at the entrance to the Castle Peak trailhead in Soda Springs, California, Friday, Feb. 20. Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via APGuide company says more facts to comeBlackbird said Monday that an investigation is ongoing.“The report does not reflect the full scope of what transpired and does not include all of the facts and information currently under review,” the company said in an email. “We are cooperating fully with authorities and will share more when it is appropriate and based on verified and confirmed findings.”The report said the group of 15 was traveling through the potential path of an avalanche near Castle Peak following a period of intense snowfall when a slide was likely.The avalanche center has no enforcement powers. Its reports typically provide safety guidance.The Nevada County Sheriff's Office is conducting a criminal investigation and state workplace regulators are investigating the company's decisions leading up to the avalanche.The avalanche struck on the last day of the skiers’ three-day tour, when the group decided to end the trip early and leave huts where they had slept to avoid another impending snowstorm.The avalanche center said in its report that it relied heavily on the accounts of two skiers, Jim Hamilton and Anton Auzans, who survived and talked to the New York Times about what they witnessed. Both skiers said they had taken basic avalanche safety classes and had only been on a handful of backcountry skiing trips before that fateful day.Both men said the guides met behind closed doors and it was unclear if they knew about the warning that a human-caused avalanche was very likely before heading out from the huts, which they noted had internet service. The men told the Times that the women's and men's groups were combined that morning with four guides.Before the last mile-long climb, Hamilton struggled to get his boot in his binding and fell behind. Thirteen skiers, mostly women, were bunched together behind guides as they crossed avalanche terrain. Auzans was just behind them when the avalanche hit, the newspaper reported. He was swept away but managed to dig himself out. Moments later, Hamilton and a guide reached them and scrambled to try to unbury people.The center noted the other survivors may have different details and information that may give a more complete picture if they ever choose to share their stories. Among the dead were three veteran guides and six women who were part of a close-knit group of eight friends – all experienced backcountry skiers.Jess Weaver, a spokesperson for the group of female friends on the trip, said the survivors and the families of those who died are not doing interviews at this time. Another skier who survived has not spoken publicly.Did they break a ‘golden rule’?Avalanche expert Dale Atkins said the group broke the “golden rule” of spreading out in an avalanche zone. But Atkins added that keeping the group together outside the avalanche zone made sense, given the poor visibility that day and the risk of people getting lost.“Did they mess up? A lot of people will say, 'Yes,'” said Atkins, who has been involved in mountain rescues and avalanche forecasting and research in Colorado for five decades. “I'm not so sure about that. You want to keep the group together. But you don't keep the group together on an avalanche slope. I suspect the guides in the group didn't realize they were in an avalanche path.”Atkins had similar comments about the decision to ski out during the storm: In hindsight, the skiers should have stayed put until the danger lessened. Yet in the moment, the guides might have thought that getting out of the mountains quickly made sense, he said.“A lot of armchair quarterbacks, if they were in the middle of the storm out there, they might have made a similar decision,” he said. “Tragically for these people and their families, there's no do over.”]]></content:encoded>
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