Author: Tyler Essman

Beach nourishment, a common coastal engineering practice, is a method used to combat shoreline erosion and protect coastal infrastructure. While it is often presented as a viable solution, a critical examination reveals that it is a temporary and financially unsustainable strategy that fails to address the root causes of coastal change. From a scientific perspective,…

Living in a coastal community, we have a deep connection to the ocean. The sea is an integral part of our identity and our daily lives. But the ocean we know is changing, and with accelerating sea-level rise and increasingly intense storms fueled by climate change, our beloved coastline is facing an unprecedented challenge. For…

The Inevitable Rise: Will Sea Level Drown Our Breaks? This is probably the most immediate and tangible concern for any coastal dweller, and especially for surfers. The short answer is a resounding yes, rising sea levels will absolutely impact surf breaks in our lifetime. It’s not some far-off phenomenon; it’s happening now, and the pace…

We spend so much time looking at the ground, at our phones, or just straight ahead. But when was the last time you truly looked up? At the vast expanse of the sky, from the brilliant daytime sun to the glittering tapestry of night? It’s a constant in our lives, a backdrop to every outdoor…

For river anglers, there’s a sixth sense, an unspoken understanding of the water. They learn to read the currents, identify holding lies, and anticipate the bite. But increasingly, there’s a new, critical piece of data we’re all having to contend with: water temperature. It’s becoming the silent, dominant factor in our fishing decisions, driven by…

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being on a river. Whether it’s the heart-pounding exhilaration of navigating whitewater rapids in a raft, or the pure, unadulterated bliss of lazily floating downstream on an inner tube, these activities offer a unique kind of freedom and connection to nature. The sun on your face, the cool…

Ah, camping. Just the word conjures up images, doesn’t it? The flickering warmth of a campfire, the symphony of crickets under a canopy of stars, the quiet thrill of waking up to birdsong and a crisp, fresh morning. For countless families, it’s the ultimate escape, a chance to unplug, recharge, and reconnect with nature in…

There’s something almost primal about hitting the trail. The scent of pine and damp earth, the crunch of leaves underfoot, the rhythmic whisper of the wind through the trees. For so many of us, hiking isn’t just an activity; it’s a sanctuary, a reset button, a profound way to reconnect with the world and ourselves.…

Climate change is profoundly altering the United States’ seasons and weather patterns, significantly impacting outdoor recreational activities. Understanding these changes is crucial for enthusiasts who wish to adapt and continue enjoying their pursuits safely and sustainably. Changing Seasons and Weather Patterns Warmer Winters and Shorter Snow Seasons Rising global temperatures have led to milder winters,…

Climate change is an escalating global crisis that demands urgent action. As the world grapples with the complexities of this challenge, scientists and policymakers are increasingly exploring unconventional strategies to mitigate its impact. One such approach gaining attention is geoengineering—the deliberate manipulation of the Earth’s environment to counteract climate change.  In this article, we will…