Get in shape. It s a common New Year s resolution, but research shows the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku - or "forest bathing" - has multiple benefits for mental and physical health. Studies show that forest bathing, which is basically getting outside and soaking up some nature, can improve mood. .
The Environmental Protection Agency has ordered the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stop oil and other toxic chemical discharges into the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon. Recent spills have the issue back at the forefront. .
California is number one in the country for dollars spent on camping, hiking, climbing, and biking, according to the latest federal data. The most recent report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis also names boating and RV trips as the state s most lucrative outdoor sector. Katie Hawkins, California program manager for the nonprofit Outdoor Alliance, said outdoor recreation added $862 billion to the national economy in 2021. .
Oregon is home to a plethora of rivers, but those waterways are not always accessible to every community. A new video series highlights how important these places are for people of color, and how a bill now in Congress could protect more landscapes. The organization "Love is King" released the videos, which feature diverse voices talking about the personal significance of rivers to them. .