Cover photo courtesy of Lara Gricar

My 900-square-foot garden has been generating fruit, vegetables and an insane amount of weeds for 15 years. When it comes to preserving that bounty, I like to get creative. Especially in the fall. My favorite companion on this adventure has been a book: Not Your Mama’s Canning Book: Modern Canned Goods and What to Make with Them by Rebecca Lindamood. During tomato season, my teenagers insist I make the Tikka Masala. 

Tikka Masala Sauce  

(adapted from “Not Your Mama’s Canning Book,” yields 6 pints) 

1 Tbsp olive oil // 3 large onions // 12 garlic cloves, peeled and minced // 2 tsp kosher salt // 3 Tbsp garam masala // 6-inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated // 3 jalapeño peppers, stems and seeds removed, minced // 12 cups peeled and diced tomatoes 

Sauté the garlic and onions in olive oil on medium heat. Sprinkle in the garam masala and stir until fragrant. Add the ginger and peppers. Cook 1 minute. Add tomatoes and stir, raising heat to medium-high. Bring to a low boil. Scrape sides and bottom regularly to avoid scorching. Drop heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. 

Ladle into pint jars, leaving 1-inch headspace. Use a chopstick to release any air bubbles. Moisten a paper towel with vinegar and wipe the rims of the jars before placing on the lids. Process in a pressure canner at 10 pounds pressure for 30 minutes. Let canner come back to atmospheric pressure naturally, then transfer jars to a towel-lined rack to cool for 24 hours. Store in a cool, dry place for up to one year. 

If you don’t have a pressure canner (I don’t), split the mixture into six freezer-safe containers and freeze. Use within six to nine months. 

This makes for an easy dinner: Sauté chicken (or your protein of choice) and any veggies you desire. (I love adding sweet onion, red bell pepper, and garbanzo beans.) Add 1 pint of preserved tikka masala sauce and 1 cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk. Serve over basmati rice. Pro Tip: Put the canned sauce in the blender (or use an immersion blender) before adding the cream for a smooth and yummy result. For bonus points, add frozen peas, chopped dill, and cilantro to the rice. 

Kale, 3-in-1 Pears, and Apple Pie Filling 

We all need easy preserving options in fall. I blanch kale and freeze it for an easy addition to soups and pastas. My other low-maintenance favorite is to mash peeled pears with a little lemon juice and grated ginger into a crockpot. Cook it down to make a pear butter you can enjoy all winter! An immersion blender used at the end makes it extra creamy. 

Here are two other options that require a little more effort, but the results are mouthwatering! Preserve fall pears by making three-in-one pears (also in Lindamood’s book). This simple recipe combines making dark ginger pear syrup, pears, and pear juice into one session. All three are canned using the standard boiling-water bath technique. If apple pie filling calls to you, use the recipe from the National Center for Home Food Preservation. It has one-quart and seven-quart recipe options.  

Fall is delicious for its abundant social time, amazing hiking and biking under yellowing larch trees, and so much good, fresh food. Canning and freezing means that the garden goodness can be enjoyed all winter, and I love that it makes meals easier once that sweet snow begins to fall.  

Crystal Atamian is a writer and science editor who is looking forward to skiing, winter bonfires, and vanilla ice cream topped with pears in dark ginger syrup. She has written about bear safety, fishing with kids, and the impact of budget cuts on avalanche forecasting in the West in recent issues of Out There. 

The post Preserving the Harvest  appeared first on Out There Venture.

By Alana Livingston 

Cover photo courtesy of L. Spitzer

You might not think conservation starts in a backyard, but Jonathan Bowser would beg to differ. As a conservation biologist, outdoorsman, and skilled carpenter, Bowser is the founder of “Catios and Coops,” a Spokane-based business crafting custom outdoor enclosures for cats, chickens, and other animals—each one custom-built with careful consideration. 

“Conservation on even a small scale brings big results,” Bowser says. That belief is at the heart of everything he builds, from cozy catios to spacious coops. For him, conservation doesn’t have to mean sweeping legislation or remote wildlife preserves. It can begin at home, with intentional designs that protect both pets and wild creatures. 

The concept behind Catios and Coops is simple: give animals the chance to safely experience the outdoors. Cats can climb, explore, and soak up the sun without harming local birds or squirrels. Chickens can scratch and peck in comfort, shielded from predators. These enclosures create a space where animals can engage all their senses—watching, sniffing, stretching, and lounging in the fresh air. 

Bowser’s background in biology gives him a unique perspective on how animals interact with their environments. He’s not just building boxes—he’s designing spaces that support physical and mental well-being. “These enclosures allow animals to utilize all their senses and have all the benefits of being outdoors,” he explains. “It increases bonding with their owner, too.” 

That idea hits home for anyone who spends time outside. Being in nature calms the nervous system, boosts our mood, and helps us feel more present. Animals experience similar benefits when given the chance to safely connect with the world beyond four walls. 

It doesn’t take a major remodel to improve a pet’s environment. “Even something as simple as a shelf can greatly improve an animal’s quality of life,” Bowser says. A full-blown catio might be a long-term goal, but adding a climbing surface or shaded perch can make a noticeable difference. The builds are customized to suit each animal and space, using all-natural, pet-safe materials that reflect Bowser’s commitment to sustainability and comfort. 

That care extends to the aesthetic, too. His work isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s thoughtful, creative, and always tailored to the client’s needs. A sleek, modern catio might blend seamlessly into a balcony, while a rustic chicken coop can nestle into a backyard garden looking like it has always belonged there. 

In a time when many of us are looking for ways to live more intentionally, Catios and Coops offers a reminder that even small actions—like building a perch or enclosing a porch—can have a real impact. It’s about creating safer spaces for animals, protecting the wildlife around us, and finding more connection in the places we call home. To see examples of recent builds or learn more, visit Catiosandcoops.com. 

Alana Livingston volunteers regularly with the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy and has a passion for conservation. 

The post Backyard Catios and Coops  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Ammi Mdstokke

After years of semi-successful gardening with a low bar, I consider myself a connoisseur of radishes, interbred squashes and edible weeds. The latter being a speciality of mine because weeds are what I most effectively grow. Though I have read many gardening books, I’ve retained very little. If I plant a garden based on companion planting, an aphid plague appears. If I focus on aphid mitigation the next year, some mold appears. And it does not seem to be true that, despite the book’s title, carrots love tomatoes. 

I have decided that the simple foundation of a garden is what supports the amateur gardener in having a less devastating, or expensive, annual experience. Here are my Basic Rules for Winning at Gardening: 

1. Keep out critters. When you’re building your garden, it’s the critters that can destroy months of hard work in a single night. If you have deer, make sure your fence is high enough. If you have rabbits, make sure your fence is narrow enough. If you have raised beds, line them with chicken wire. If you see an aphid, use Neem Oil spray and buy a bunch of ladybugs. If you see slugs, they will make condos out of your cabbage: Sharp mulch, such as pine bark and eggshells, is a great deterrent. Some people call it a garden; I call it a vegetable fortress. 

2. Have the right ingredients. Soil, water, and sun: These are the three ingredients of every plant. Some need more or less, but remember, we’re beginners, so we’ll start with the less finicky frisée before we get to specialized salads. The best gardening investment I ever made was an automatic watering system (known as “my husband”— then he replaced it with a drip system). It was amazing to see my plants still thriving in August long after I cared about gardening anymore. 

3. Start small and pace yourself. It’s true that I dedicated a significant portion of my life each spring to nursing seedlings and drafting gardening diagrams and scouring seed catalogs. By July, I’d be tired of weeding. By late summer, I could hardly bother to water. Consider what parts of gardening you love (harvesting and eating) and which parts you loathe (critter control) and plant your garden accordingly. For example, this spring we’ll dedicate much time to building a new garden, so we’ll purchase starts at the farmers market rather than try to grow them.  

4. Consider the comfort of raised beds. These are amazing when it comes to managing pests, but also lovely for their accessibility benefits. The deep soil allows for dense growing, so you get more garden out of small spaces that are easier to maintain. After much research on metal versus wood, I opted for metal beds this year for their low maintenance, easy movability, and durability. 

5. Grow what you like to eat. Aside from the mental and physical health benefits of gardening, not to mention the potential decrease in your summer lettuce costs and plastic waste, there is nothing quite like wandering into your yard to pick food for dinner. So grow the things you love and slowly expand from there. Just remember, you can only eat so many tomatoes. 

Ammi Midstokke lives on a sunny slope in North Idaho. Her new garden fence can withstand moose, hurricanes and foraging Sasquatch. This summer, she’ll be growing some new radish varieties and maybe even some beets.  

The post 5 Basic Rules for Winning at Gardening  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Alana Livingston

Spring is the perfect season to embrace outdoor entertaining. There’s something magical about gathering with friends and family under the open sky, sharing a meal, and creating memories that feels effortless. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that hosting an outdoor dinner party doesn’t have to be overthought or overly complicated. In fact, simplicity is the secret ingredient that makes these moments truly special. 

Sometimes, the best outdoor gatherings are the ones that are the most unassuming. Even the most ordinary foods—like hot dogs and chips—taste better when enjoyed outside. There’s just something about the fresh air that enhances every bite. Plus, the relaxed vibe means you can skip the stress of vacuuming and scrubbing floors. Spills are no big deal when they’re on grass or a patio instead of a dining room rug. 

For me, one of the biggest benefits of outdoor entertaining is the sheer amount of space it provides. My indoor living area might feel a bit cramped with a group of people, but stepping outside essentially doubles, if not triples, my entertaining area. It’s amazing how much more comfortable and open a gathering feels when everyone can spread out on the lawn, lounge on a deck, or chat around a fire pit. 

To create the perfect atmosphere, a little music and lighting go a long way. String lights or lanterns instantly add warmth and charm, whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a laid-back birthday party. Pair the lighting with a curated playlist—upbeat and lively for a celebration or soft and calming for an intimate gathering—and your outdoor space is transformed. 

Decorating for an outdoor event is one of my favorite parts, and nature always provides the most beautiful and recyclable materials. When hosting a more formal occasion, I’ve created tablescapes using bark, lichen, and rocks from my yard. The result is earthy and elegant, with the added bonus of being eco-friendly. For a wine-country-themed birthday party, I used grape leaves, vines, and lavender from my garden to weave through the table decor. When my child’s birthday party had a camping theme, we got creative and built fairy houses out of sticks, rocks, and moss—all treasures collected from our yard. These touches not only look beautiful but also make the decor feel personal and connected to the setting. 

The best part about being outdoors is how the space takes on a life of its own. After dinner, guests might wander off on an evening walk, linger around the fire pit, or lie back to gaze at the stars. Those unplanned moments, when everyone relaxes into the rhythm of the evening, often end up being the ones we talk about for years. There’s something undeniably grounding about the simple act of breathing fresh air, feeling the breeze, and listening to the sounds of nature. 

For me, the magic of outdoor entertaining isn’t in the food or the decor, though those can be fun to plan. It’s about the way being outside brings people together in such an easy, natural way. Even the simplest meal feels special when it’s shared under the open sky. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable—and that’s the beauty of it. 

Alana Livingston is looking forward to learning and practicing more mushroom hunting this spring.  

The post The Joy of Outdoor Entertaining  appeared first on Out There Venture.

For many, the Pacific Northwest is synonymous with adventure. Its rugged coastlines, snow-capped peaks, and dense forests have long called to those with a spirit of exploration. For students at Annie Wright Schools in Tacoma, Washington, this landscape isn’t just a backdrop — it’s an essential part of their education. Through the Great Outdoor Adventure Team (GOAT) program, students in Grades 9-12 experience a unique blend of academic rigor and outdoor adventure.

A Classroom Without Walls

At Annie Wright, students aren’t confined to the walls of a classroom. The GOAT program integrates the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma with hands-on learning experiences in some of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic settings. From kayaking alongside porpoises in Commencement Bay to summiting the glaciers of Mt. Baker, the program offers a diverse range of outdoor challenges designed to build resilience, leadership, and a lifelong love for the outdoors.

Each year, the journey deepens. Ninth graders start by mastering basic skills like land navigation, campcraft, and environmental stewardship. By senior year, they’re climbing Mt. St. Helens and learning glacier travel techniques, all while reflecting on their growth over four years of adventure.

These experiences aren’t just about physical challenges; they’re a key part of Annie Wright’s holistic approach to education. Each trip encourages students to push beyond their limits, gain new perspectives, and discover the strength that comes from facing the unknown.

Building Skills for Life — Not Just for the Outdoors

“What I love about the outdoors is that it often pushes people outside of their comfort zone,” says Betta Hanson, GOAT Co-Director and Residential Faculty at Annie Wright Schools. “And then — when students are ‘comfortably uncomfortable’ — that is when the learning happens. It’s about equipping students with life skills and confidence that will serve them well beyond their time here.”

The GOAT program’s focus on leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving aligns with the values of the International Baccalaureate curriculum, which emphasizes critical thinking and global citizenship. The result is students who are not only academically prepared but also equipped to navigate the complexities of the world with confidence.

A Community of Adventurers

The community at Annie Wright is another cornerstone of the GOAT experience. As a boarding school, Annie Wright brings together students from around the world, creating a tight-knit environment where friendships are formed around campfires and on mountain trails. This sense of camaraderie extends beyond graduation, as GOAT alumni carry with them memories of shared adventures and the lessons learned along the way.

Embrace the Wild, Elevate Your Education

For those who see the world as their classroom and believe that true growth happens outside of comfort zones, Annie Wright Schools’ GOAT program offers a high school experience like no other. Here, adventure isn’t an extracurricular — it’s an integral part of a journey that prepares students for whatever challenges lie ahead. To learn more about the GOAT program and how it shapes future leaders, click here.

(Sponsored)

The post Adrenaline & Personal Growth: The School You Always Wanted  appeared first on Out There Venture.

For those who don’t know, birds are in trouble. In 2015, the Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution and Systematics estimated that 234,000 birds are killed annually by wind turbines, another 6.6 million by communications towers, a whopping 659 million by building collisions (think window strikes) and an astonishing 2.4 billion, with a “B,” by cats. Annually. As dire as these numbers are, each of us can help by building bird sanctuaries in our yards. In the process, some of us just might become birders. 

According to Alan McCoy, president of the Spokane Audubon Society, “The key thing for anybody wanting to attract birds is to make your yard safe for birds.” If you are a cat owner, keep the cats inside. When it comes to neighbor cats, if you can’t fence them out, consider motion activated sprinklers, prickly scat mats, or crumpled wire fencing where cats might like to hide, such as under shrubs where they are also hidden from view.  

A second part of creating a safe space is to minimize window strikes by making windows visible to birds. One approach is to string monofilament (think fishing) line spaced three inches apart running the length of the window. Birds see this and it will only minimally affect your view, if at all. Another option is to drape more visible parachute cord the length of the window, spaced every four inches. Stickers are another option, mostly for smaller windows, as they need to cover the window and be spaced no more than two inches apart. More elaborate options include acid etching and ceramic frit. 

Preventing cat predation and window strikes will save countless birds. McCoy says “For me, if I can contribute by just saving a few birds, multiply that by the millions, tens of millions, hundreds of millions of [people doing the same], that’s a lot of birds.”  

Once the dangers have been addressed, birds need water. McCoy says that providing water is more important than providing food, especially in the fall when the ground is drier. It can be as simple as a birdbath, but if it’s a pond, you’ll want it to be deep enough for fish so the standing water doesn’t become a mosquito incubator.  

When it comes to attracting and feeding birds, it’s all about the bugs. McCoy says, “Attract pollinators. Even seed eaters will eat insects. Hummingbirds in particular are insect eaters. The more native plants, and less lawn, the better. That’s what really supports the birds.” And, he adds, no toxins to kill bugs! If there are no bugs to eat, the birds won’t stay. McCoy suggests following the advice of Doug Tallamy, co-founder of Homegrown National Park, and to turn your yard into a Homegrown National Park, planting gardens that support life and feed pollinators.  

If you are going to put up birdhouses, McCoy says rule number one for those living in the city is an entry hole no larger than 1-¼ inches. This will keep out house sparrows and starlings, two of the more aggressive breeds that will drive away other songbirds. Rule number two is no perches outside the entry hole, because predator birds will perch there and reach into the cavern and harass or kill the birds that have set up housekeeping. 

So, if you want more birds in your yard, it’s safety first. Water second. Food and shelter third. Then start watching the birds that visit, and, who knows, you may become a birder.  

Bradley Bleck is happy to feel the warmth of the sun on his skin again. He last wrote about the Climb for the Cure gravel bike race in the March/April 2024 issue of OTO. Bradley teaches English at Spokane Falls Community College and really, really, really loves Spokane.  

The post Building a Better Bird Sanctuary Starts at Home  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Perform Basic Maintenance

Test your battery and check your wiper blades and windshield washer fluid. Now is a good time to get any windshield chips fixed before they crack and spread. Check all of your vehicle’s other vital fluids or take it to a shop for an oil change,  tune-up, and coolant and brake check. Replace the bulbs on any headlights and any other lights that are out.

Inspect Tires

Check your tire tread depth (or have a tire tech check) and if they are nearing the end of their functional life, consider a new set of all-season or winter-specific snow tires. If you’re not confident driving in snow, many tire experts recommend getting snow tires. While studded snow tires are typically not necessary for all-wheel-drive vehicles, they may be a good option for two-wheel-drive cars and trucks.

Dial in Your Vehicle Recovery Kit

If an epic powder day turns into a parking lot disaster, being prepared will allow you to extract yourself or others from unplowed snow or ice. Pack these recovery gear essentials to be ready for the worst.

• A snow shovel (full-sized is best, but even an avalanche shovel will be a welcome tool when you need it).
• Chains or snow socks (fabric covers that go over your tires to create traction) for your vehicle.
• A solid tow strap made specifically for towing.
• Maxtrax or some other kind of recovery boards or rubber traction mats to help you get unstuck from snow.
• Jumper cables for the inescapable time when you or someone else has a battery that’s given up.
• Extra windshield wiper fluid. Inevitably an ice storm or blizzard is going to hit that day you or someone else uses the last drop of ice-melting windshield fluid. And don’t forget an ice-scraper tool.

Pack an Emergency Supply Kit

If you end up stuck in deep snow or stranded along the side of the road, these items may make all the difference between a comfortable delay and a miserable ordeal.

• Extra drinking water and food.
• Blankets, sleeping bags and hand warmers.
• Extra jackets and warm clothing.
• First-aid kit to be ready for any minor injuries.
• Flashlight/headlamp with extra batteries.
• A backpack to put your food, water, and other emergency gear inside in case you have to walk to find help.
• Road flares.
• A good book.

The post Getting Your Adventure Vehicle Ready for Winter appeared first on Out There Venture.

Owning an RV in the Inland Northwest offers outdoor enthusiasts the freedom to explore breathtaking landscapes all year round. But, hey, Jack Frost is knocking at the door, and it’s time to get your RV ready for his chilly arrival whether you’ll be parking your rig for the winter or getting a van, trailer, or camper ready for some cozy nights at the ski area or trailhead. To pull together these winterizing tips, I tapped the expertise of Dennis Garrett, the Service Manager at R’n R RV Center Liberty Lake who has been in the industry since 1994. When not at work servicing RVs, he’s often out camping with his wife in their Springdale trailer, where they enjoy biking, kayaking and relaxing. Garrett’s tips will help guide you through the essential steps to winterize your RV, ensuring it survives the freezing months.

1. Water System 

Before Old Man Winter starts freezing your pipes into ice sculptures, it’s crucial to drain all the water from your RV’s tanks, pipes and faucets. Think of it as performing a synchronized water ballet with your RV to avoid any “frozen fountain” mishaps. Don’t forget to add some RV antifreeze to the mix to protect your plumbing system from freezing.

2. Exterior Maintenance

Winter can be harsh to exteriors, so show your RV some love by giving it a thorough cleaning and waxing. Think of it as giving your RV a spa day before it goes into hibernation. Don’t neglect the roof—patch up any cracks or leaks so that it doesn’t become a winter wonderland inside your cozy abode. And for that extra layer of protection against snowball bombardments, invest in a trusty RV cover.

3. Engine and Fuel System

Your RV’s engine needs some pampering too! Give it an oil change and new filters, like a clean out for your vehicle’s heart and lungs. And remember, fuel stabilizer is the equivalent of a warm blanket for your gas tank, preventing fuel deterioration and making sure your engine stays cozy.

4. Battery Care 

Cold temperatures can be a buzzkill for your RV’s battery. So, give it a vacation of its own by removing it from your RV and placing it somewhere warm and dry. Keep it charged and connected to a battery tender to avoid any winter blues.

5. Interior Preparations 

Pretend like Marie Kondo is visiting your RV—declutter and say goodbye to any perishable food items that may attract creatures seeking a winter feast. Let the air flow by opening cabinets and drawers, creating a winter breeze to keep the musty odors away. And, remember, nothing says “cozy winter cabin” like moisture-absorbing products and dehumidifiers to keep the mold monsters at bay.

6. Tire Maintenance

Tires are the unsung heroes of your RV’s winter adventures, so don’t leave them out in the cold. With the changing temperature this season brings, be sure to inflate your tires to the recommended pressure before they hit the icy roads. Invest in new tire covers, if applicable. Your tires will appreciate the extra warmth and style.

7. Heater Maintenance

If your RV has a heater you plan to use while winter camping, be sure that it has been serviced properly before you head out on your first adventure of the season. Nothing will ruin a night of camping out in the frozen wilds like finding out that your RV heater has stopped working in the middle of the night!

Preparing your recreational vehicle for winter in the Inland Northwest may sound like a daunting task, but with these essential tips, you’ll be ready to take on the frozen wonderland like a seasoned winter warrior. Go ahead and winterize your RV yourself or take it into a professional RV service center like R’nR to ensure that it survives the chilly months with style and grace. Let the adventures continue, even in the frosty embrace of Old Man Winter! //

Noah Botnick is stoked for the upcoming snowboard season and plans to RV camp at several Inland NW ski resorts this winter.

Cover photo courtesy Derrick Knowles

The post Tips for Winterizing your RV appeared first on Out There Venture.

There’s a big taste difference between store-bought tomatoes and locally-grown. Realizing I couldn’t grow tomatoes in pots next to my slider door in winter, and without a greenhouse to extend the two or so month window that Spokane’s climate allows, I strive to expand my tomato-eating season with creative tomato preservation.

Like other gardeners, I use old blankets topped with a tarp or plastic sheeting to cover plants whenever below freezing temps are forecast. I typically have 12 to 16 plants, and I used to cover them all. It was a headache. These days, I choose just two or three in the sunniest location that still have lots of fruit. I pick the other plants clean on the latest date possible, separate red fruit from green and put in trays in my basement. I’ve picked tomatoes into the second week of November. Though cool temps diminish taste and cause black spots to sometimes form on the skin, which I have to cut off, they’re still better than store-bought.

I freeze bags of 12-15 summer tomatoes and, in winter, boil them down to make sauce, adding garlic, onions and other garden vegetables I’ve frozen, which takes a couple hours. I used to boil down several dozen and freeze the sauce. This was convenient for making quick, multiple, spaghetti meals, but boiling down so many tomatoes at once was time consuming, and I gave up this laborious task a few years ago.

I also freeze a bunch of bags containing just two or three tomatoes and add to any dish that benefits from ripe, summer tomato flavoring.

I also dry tomatoes using a dehydrator. It’s somewhat time-consuming, but the dried slices pile up quickly and are so sweet and tasty. Whenever I pull them out, usually adding to pasta, I eat a bunch as if they were potato chips.

I continually fetch the fresh ones I keep in the basement, which can number well over a hundred. As the red ones get eaten, the cool basement delays ripening, and the green ones slowly turn red, lasting into February. I occasionally pull out bad ones—it’s inevitable losing a few. Formerly green tomatoes eaten fresh in the middle of winter don’t compare to summer tomatoes, but they still have taste that beats store-bought.

By protecting plants from frost when planting in April, I get ripe tomatoes by July. By storing in the basement, I’m able to eat fresh tomatoes seven months out of the year. Like that character famous for eating lots of cookies, my tomato eating entitles me the moniker, Tomato Monster. //

Though James P. Johnson really likes homegrown tomatoes, he appreciates and buys commercially grown when his supply runs out.

The post Expand Your Tomato Eating Season: Creative Preservation Tips appeared first on Out There Venture.