Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Americana
This is Part Three in our series on Conservation and the Great Outdoors: Exploring how small towns and gateway communities are building sustainable outdoor economies that serve both people and place. As outdoor recreation grows in popularity across the U.S., small towns near natural landmarks face both new opportunities and familiar pressures. The promise of […]
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, […]
Welcome to Part 3 of our four-part series on Rural Cultural Heritage and Community Resilience.So far, we’ve explored the importance of cultural preservation and the enduring value of rural traditions. In this installment, we turn to the places that anchor those values in everyday life: historic buildings and community landmarks. Across rural North America, communities […]
In an historic, red brick warehouse where old cars once were assembled, the world of rural art now finds a home at the Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art. This new facility brings an old building back to life serving a role in art appreciation and cultural preservation. In 1880, there was a livery stable […]
I treasure the time I lived and worked in Colorado. Fort Collins, remains one of my favorite cities anywhere, with the state capital of Denver close behind it. My grandmother lived with her cousins on the West Slope of Colorado for a time before she married, and I feel I inherited her memories in my […]
Irish immigrants began arriving in America at the very beginning of European colonization in the early 1600s. Having been colonized itself–by the Vikings, by the Normans, by the English–some sailed as colonizers and others to be free of that particular yoke. Some sailed for religion or politics. Far more sailed to find freedom from starvation […]
Rural communities rely on agriculture—not just as an economic driver, but as a foundation for long-term stability and environmental sustainability. However, land degradation, climate change, and shifting market conditions are forcing many communities to rethink how they support local agriculture. Sustainable agriculture offers a way forward, but it requires more than just individual farmers adopting […]
We’re not the only ones thinking about community resilience and planning for hazards and disasters. In fact, the US has been experiencing an entire year’s worth of hazards in February, from blizzards to sever flooding to wildfires. These events often hit historic downtown areas especially hard. The Main Street America organization offered a webinar on […]
Rural resilience starts with a shared vision. For small cities and rural counties, beginning the year with meaningful conversations about priorities lays the groundwork for growth, sustainability, and strength. Communication is both part of crafting better plans and projects, but also in achieving results of goals, policies, and action items. These discussions go beyond simple […]
The Pursuit of HappinessRural communities are more than just places to live—they are the heart and soul of cultural traditions, historical narratives, and creative expression. Arts, culture, and history play an essential role in defining what makes a community special, enriching the quality of life for residents while offering unique opportunities for tourism and economic […]
