Feature Stories

In early 2025, wildfires ravaged Southern California. Firefighters spent days battling flames that engulfed houses, businesses and landmarks while forcing thousands to flee. But even once the fires

Although we’re more than halfway through summer, there is still plenty of warm weather left to get out and enjoy your national forests and grasslands! We’ve got 154 national forests and 20 national

In the very heart of North America, the rolling hills of North Dakota’s Little Missouri National Grassland stretch into the horizon, humbling in grandeur. Though named after the Little Missouri River

On the outskirts of Denver lies an unassuming building that, in contrast to its humble exterior, is the beating heart of federal firefighting efforts in the Rocky Mountains. Walking through the doors

Imagine you’re a tourist visiting Washington, DC. As you walk along the south side of the Mall towards the Washington Monument, out of the corner of your eye, you see a tall cut-out of a bear in blue

Last year we talked about national forests being like our favorite sweaters — much loved but getting a bit frazzled around the edges and needing some repairs. The kind of unraveling that happens to

Here at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, wildfire prevention is a big priority. There’s no better ambassador of that essential message than everyone’s favorite wildfire prevention

Sagebrush landscapes are often thought of as dry, rugged and lacking plant and wildlife diversity. I am here to tell you—nothing is further from the truth. Having spent years working in these

When a tornado swept through the Sabine National Forest in March 2025, it left behind a trail of broken trees, downed limbs and hundreds of acres of damaged timber. But in just 28 days, the Forest

With a paint can in hand, a forester walks step by step through the dense Arizona ponderosa pine forest, marking trees with distinctive orange streaks. The forester is part of a timber-marking crew

Mass timber is transforming how America builds—but supply hasn’t kept pace with demand. A gap in domestic manufacturing has slowed widespread adoption, leaving many developers with few options beyond

It’s almost the Fourth of July! The Nation’s 249th Birthday! I’m as excited as you are to get out there, enjoy that summer weather, and celebrate the country’s anniversary. Our nation’s national

While driving towards mountains and forested areas, have you ever seen Jeeps and trucks that look like they belong at a Monster Truck Rally? Ever wonder where they’re going? These off-road enthusiasts

On the lower slopes of Jackass Ridge, smoke wafted through an oak woodland canopy, its gray haze contrasting with the green, yellow and red hues of the forest. A crackle of burning grass could be

“Made in the USA: Supporting American manufacturing jobs and promoting sustainable forest management” — a series that spotlights how Wood Innovations Program grant recipients are putting Americans to