rural life

Real People. Real Stories. Real Land.

How To Farm In The WoodsAn Introduction to NonTimber Forest Products (NTFPs)

How To Farm In The Woods—An Introduction to Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs)

Wooded properties aren't just for growing timber! To learn more about agroforestry, we talked to Professor and Forest Management Extension...

Experiences in Country CrossTraining

Experiences in Country Cross-Training

Need some humorous inspiration to fuel your New Year's fitness resolutions? Jim Mize shares his first-hand experiences in woodland country...

Finding Farm WonderFrom the Mundane to the Magnificent

Finding Farm Wonder—From the Mundane to the Magnificent

These days, many people are seeking a farm or small holding of land to create a greater sense of freedom and well-being. And there is nothing better...

The Big House: Growing up in rural South Carolina in more innocent times

The Big House: Growing up in rural South Carolina in more innocent times

The holidays are a wonderful time to reflect back on our roots and family traditions. In this heart-felt essay, L. Woodrow Ross shares his memories...

Top 10 Gifts for Homesteaders and Hobby Farmers

Top 10 Gifts for Homesteaders and Hobby Farmers

Wondering what to gift your favorite homesteaders or hobby farmers for the holidays? Check out these top 10 gift ideas any back-to-the-lander will...

Winter's Coming  9 Ways to Prepare for the Darkest Season of the Year

Winter's Coming — 9 Ways to Prepare for the Darkest Season of the Year

Winter's coming...are you and your homestead ready for the months ahead? Farmwife Catherine S. Pond shares 10 ways you can prepare for the colder...

Best Gifts for Anglers

Best Gifts for Anglers

Christmas shopping for anglers can seem a daunting task as they either appear to already have everything or you have no idea what they already own....

How (and why) to make your own leaf mulch

How (and why) to make your own leaf mulch

Fall leaves are beautiful...and can be a pain to clean up, especially on larger properties. However, with a little bit of effort and a decent lawn...

Fire Starting Tutorial

Fire Starting Tutorial

We don’t know when or how man first discovered how to use fire. But we do know that various ways to start and use fire were developed long before...

Hiking with KidsMistakes to Avoid for Happier Trails

Hiking with Kids---Mistakes to Avoid for Happier Trails

Cultivating a love of nature is one of the best things we can do to protect our children's physical, mental and emotional health. Hiking is a great...