Mary Catherine O’Connor (@mcoc) is a freelance journalist who writes the Adventure Ethics column, about the intersection of adventure and environment, for Outside online.
Published
The first bike highway was born in car city, U.S.A.: Los Angeles. What can we learn from a vision of bike-centric transportation that never materialized?
The paragliding community is spitting mad about a video that purports to show a paramotor provocateur chasing and assaulting an owl for nearly seven minutes. But how do you identify the guy?
With the number of fracking wells surrounding National Parks skyrocketing, a watchdog group exposes the true extent of their damage to our public lands
Mined, dammed, and sucked dry: The annual list of of the country's most endangered waterways is out—and it isn't pretty.
In the wake of a 22-year-old’s death on a prominent sandstone arch near Moab, Utah, it's inevitable that authorities will reexamine regulation of high-risk recreation. Outside's adventure ethicist looks into how public lands accommodate the "World's Largest Rope Swing."
A new startup presents an energy-harvesting soccer ball that will bring easy electricity to resource-poor communities
Tomorrow, on World Water Day, a new start-up is launching a program that aims to raise $1 billion to improve clean water infrastructure by convincing resorts around the world to stop importing plastic bottles
Using source-to-sea boat trips and an ultramarathon, Rivers for Change is trying to cast rivers as arteries, not just playgrounds
The first of a new Adventure Ethics feature wherein we profile those whose work places them at the intersection of adventure and environmental issues
Metallic mining in Wisconsin used to be tightly regulated. Mining Bill SB 1, signed into law by Scott Walker on Monday, is changing that.
The Patagonia founder dishes on environmental activism and the outdoor apparel industry at a sustainable business conference in San Francisco
There is no explicit definition of ocean or marine wilderness anywhere in the world, but there are about a dozen generally-agreed-upon places in the United States where you can—and should—see it
As rising waters lap at endangered species' heels, the most effective responses are likely found outside the scope of that landmark legislation
Though its funding ends next year, the Transit in Parks program is seeking solutions to congested parks and opening federal lands to non-motorized travel
Will a pilot program meant to find a second life for pre-owned apparel and footwear get off the ground?
With Jewell, the CEO and president of REI, at the helm of the Department of the Interior, could the industry finally find its green mojo?
Crowdfunded adventures are great. Here’s how to do them right.
If it takes off, crowdfunded science could create a platform for more nimble, fast-paced research that isn't bogged down by bureaucracy
Kickstarter has become the go-to funding source for serious expeditions and boondoggles alike. And that has some benefactors wanting their cash back.
Cats are being blamed for killing billions of birds and small mammals in the United States every year, but off-leash, free-roaming, and feral dogs are responsible for a fair bit of damage to wildlife, too
The author of The Fear Project (and Saltwater Buddha) shares what he learned about our most primal emotion during the many months he spent training for a go at Mavericks
The good news: Some surfboard foams are recyclable. The bad news: Most of it's not.
National Park Service director Jonathan Jarvis spouts off on the infamous bottle ban in Grand Canyon National Park, adapting to climate change, and a new rule that would give Homeland Security power over public land decisions on U.S. borders
Harold Camping was wrong—twice—about 2011 ushering in the end of days, but the year certainly had its share of environmental catastrophes. Thankfully, there were a few glimmers of hope, as well.
The best environmental blogs, from one-sided political commentators to prolific aggregators and reporters breaking news.
The 76-year-old artist Christo has sunk two decades of work and $11 million into hanging 6 miles of translucent canopies over the Arkansas River. Yet he’s still fighting local opposition and waiting on a decision from the Bureau of Land Management. Will his Over the River project ever go up?
It's ok—relax. We've got your big holiday score all wrapped up: the latest shiny new toys, sharp tools, and smokin' threads to help you keep you adventure resolutions.
