• Culture

    License to travel

    Mont Salève, near Geneva, Switzerland

    Viewing a travel destination not only in terms of what it is, but what it once was and has now become, can give us the perspective to fly above the crowds.

  • Culture

    Lost and found

    One of the mildly endearing traits of a Midwest winter is the January thaw -- when the accumulation of several snowfalls momentarily reverses itself, teasing us with a head fake toward a still-distant spring. But as icy sidewalks begin to clear, what becomes of the items we've lost?

  • Nature

    It’s a Solidago party

    Canada goldenrod, also known as Solidago canadensis, turns many a meadow a brilliant yellow in the month of September -- and for millions of beneficial insects, it's the biggest party of the year.