rural life

Real People. Real Stories. Real Land.

The facts about skunks: they're more interesting than you think

The facts about skunks: they're more interesting than you think

When you live rural, you need to know what to expect from the wildlife around you. Jim Mize takes a humorous - but educational - look at the facts...

Keeping chickens  a taste of country life for suburban family

Keeping chickens = a taste of country life for suburban family

A family living in a North Florida subdivision gets a taste of the country life they're yearning for when they decide to start keeping chickens.

Taking a tour on a Southern quilt barns trail

Taking a tour on a Southern quilt barns trail

Quilt barns are an American tradition, adding art to the countryside. Learn their history and take a photo tour of some of Tennessee's finest.

How fly fisherman Dave Whitlock made his passion a career

How fly fisherman Dave Whitlock made his passion a career

Dave Whitlock has made a career of writing about fly fishing, teaching others fly fishing techniques and creating artwork inspired by great catches....

Wildseed Farms: The Disneyland of Texas flora

Wildseed Farms: The "Disneyland" of Texas flora

Wildseed Farms is the largest working wildflower farm in the country and also produces seeds that can be ordered by catalog. You can visit the farm...

9 easy ways to use fresh milk

9 easy ways to use fresh milk

When you have an ample supply of fresh cow's milk, you don't want it to go to waste. Try these easy tips to use, cook and preserve fresh milk.

4 Rainwater Harvesting Myths Debunked

4 Rainwater Harvesting Myths Debunked

The founder of Rainharvest School dispels myths and explains the right way to harvest rainwater to ensure it is safe for drinking.

Freerange daycare: Preschool on a farm

“Free-range” daycare: Preschool on a farm

Celestial Farms, a farm-based daycare, gives kids more than a basic education: they learn farm chores, animal care and what real food is all about.

Walk through history at LSU Rural Life Museum

Walk through history at LSU Rural Life Museum

Museums are all about untouchable paintings, hushed tones, behind-glass artifacts and snooze-inducing history, right? Sometimes, perhaps, but not in...

How to make your yard a bird sanctuary

How to make your yard a bird sanctuary

Half the sunflower seed harvest of South Dakota passes through the bird feeders in my mom’s backyard. She needs an air traffic controller to keep...