Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Americana
Sankta Lucia, or Saint Lucy’s Day, is one of Sweden’s most beloved midwinter traditions, blending Christian sainthood with older Nordic light-in-the-darkness customs. It is celebrated on December 13 and marks a kind of ceremonial opening of the Christmas season in Sweden and other parts of Scandinavia. On the old Julian calendar, Lucia fell on what […]
The fields of urban and rural planning, community development, and sustainability are evolving faster than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, the right planning books and sustainability books can offer fresh insights, practical tools, and long-term vision. This curated list is a mix of casual and academic reads—including new releases […]
I am going home for the holidays, so I’m feeling a bit more philosophical than usual. We are driving up to Minnesota to spend Thanksgiving with my dad—wherever Dad is, that is home. Home is also the farm in Michigan which my mother’s family homesteaded, and now the cemetery where she rests. Home is also […]
By Bob Shepard County Fair Memories in Rural Michigan I remember the Shiawassee County Free Fair as a great gathering of rural folks with many youth bringing the culmination of their 4-H projects to be judged, whether they were of blue, red, or white ribbon caliber or even grand champion worthy. The county fair had […]
Six Authors You Should Check Out I fell in love with the Great Outdoors through books. I always wanted to visit and hike and fish and camp since I was a Cub Scout. I learned about conservation and stewardship and Leave No Trace. Yet it wasn’t until after I had miles under my feet and […]
As June unfolds, we celebrate the extraordinary landscapes and vibrant ecosystems that define rural communities across North America. Conservation is more than just a noble idea—it’s a practical path to resilience, community identity, and sustainable prosperity. From national parks and wilderness areas to local trails and working landscapes, the Great Outdoors offers both a refuge […]
June transforms spring into summer as we turn our attention to the landscapes and ecosystems that define rural communities across North America. Conservation is more than an environmental imperative; it’s a strategic tool for planners and policymakers working to build vibrant, resilient communities. From national parks and wilderness areas to local trails and working landscapes, […]
Why Rural Cultural Heritage Matters This four-part series, published during Preservation Month, explores the intersection of rural cultural heritage and community development, including historic preservation and adaptive reuse. Each article focused on a critical aspect of how traditions, historic places, and grassroots efforts contribute to the sustainability and resilience of small towns and rural communities: […]
Memorial Day honors our soldiers who died in battle. While we respect and remember all of our veterans, Memorial Day is set aside to specifically pay tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. In the aftermath of the Civil War, Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic proclaimed May 30, […]
Welcome to Part 4—the final article in our series on Rural Cultural Heritage and Community Resilience.In our journey so far, we’ve explored why culture matters, how traditions endure, and how physical spaces reflect shared identity. Now, we turn to the people at the heart of it all: the community members who are preserving rural heritage […]
