Green Frogs (Rana clamitans) are truly ubiquitous throughout Connecticut. But why are these frogs so common? How did they come to be some of the most successful frogs in the entire state?

Nestled along the trails of the islands, or perhaps placed before a majestic waterfall, hikers in Hawai’i may notice rocks wrapped in Ti leaves, as seen above in this photo from Waihe’e Falls. Many recognize this action as a prayer or offering, a sacred tradition of our island nation. But these rock offerings are highly controversial, and this practice which was commonly believed to be part of the island culture may actually be a very offensive gesture.

Cathedral Pines Preserve is 42-acre swath of woodlands in Cornwall, Connecticut which was covered in old-growth white pine and hemlock trees when it was originally granted to The Nature Conservancy in 1967. Yet little more than two decades after it was granted protection as conservation land, a series of tornadoes tore through the grove and leveled roughly 80% of the centuries-old forest.

Along a small stretch of Roaring Brook in Southington, Connecticut known as “The Great Unconformity”, hikers and geologists alike can observe a gap in the geologic record that spans roughly 170 millions years!

Join Trails of Freedom for an adventurous hike up the three peaks of Olomana, one of Oahu’s most challenging trails.

Hikers or beach visitors that happen upon a horseshoe crab will be interested to know that they are one of the oldest forms of ocean-going arthropods in existence today.