Fall is the perfect time to get out and collect a piece of nature. Leaves are turning colors and can be found just about anywhere in any shape or size. Leaves can be used in many crafts and fall decorations. It's a great way to decorate with nature without taking too much from it. Be sure to take only leaves that have already fallen from the trees.

Your own backyard is one great place to find leaves. But if you haven't any trees or just want some variety you can try local parks and nature reserves. Even a stroll around the block could net you some interesting leaves to add to your collection.

Be sure to collect leaves that are both big and small and in a variety of colors. Be diverse in your selection. To make the activity the most eco-friendly, be sure you are not wasting plastic bags to collect the leaves. Instead, use your reusable shopping bag. Don't have one? Why not? Go pick one up before heading out to collect your leaves. Nature will thank you when you reuse it again and again for many other things.

Now back to the leaf collecting. If you plan to use the leaves to make a fall garland or some other similar fall decor, be sure to collect a good amount of each desired shape and color. That way, the decoration can match throughout. On the other hand, if you just plan to spread them across a fall table, variety is key.

Benefits to leaf collecting are endless. For one thing, it gets you out into nature. When was the last time you did that? Looking up cool nature videos and pictures online does not count, by the way. It also is great for exercise. Once you get started, you may not want to stop. It also can save you money, as well as help save the Earth. Don't even think about buying another strand of those plastic and cloth things they call fall garlands in the craft store. Yours will look more authentic, it's free, and it's even naturally biodegradable.

A lot of people call The Naturist (Gavin McInnes) an outdoor expert. We completely agree...he is an expert at what not to do while outdoors. Fortunately, he has one thing going for him, we equipped him in the new Teva® Riva. Thanks to features like an aggressive lug design and a waterproof and breathable membrane, Gavin can be sure that even when everything goes wrong, his feet will still be comfortable and protected by the Riva. To find out more about The Naturist and the Riva, check out: www.zappos.com/teva.

Anyone living in New York or New Jersey will probably tell you that THE best beach is Cape May on the Jersey Cape. Visit, and you'll swear you're in beach heaven.

Cape May is on a peninsula at the southern tip of New Jersey, between the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It has more than just great beaches: it has an historic lighthouse, gorgeous Victorian Bed and Breakfasts (most of them on the National Register of Historic Places), an assortment of different museums, a free zoo, wildlife sanctuaries, whale-watching trips, and restaurants for every budget. So grab a tote, throw in your sunscreen, a towel, some glamorous sunglasses, water, magazines or books, and a snack, and head to the beach. Choose a swimsuit like this pineapple print one-piece halter from Tommy Bahama, and protect your toes from hot sand with flip-flops by Simple Green Toe. They look great, and with organic cotton and a piece of recycled tire for the outer edge, you're saving the environment too.

The city beaches of Cape May require a beach badge; the 2009 prices are $25 for the season, $13 for a week, $5 for a day, and $10 for a weekend, but the beach at Cape May State Park is absolutely free, so take your pick. The city beaches do have beach umbrellas and chairs to rent, if that's an issue, and both city and park beaches are wheelchair accessible.

One of the most famous landmarks of Cape May is the Cape May Point Lighthouse, inside the park. For a small fee, you can climb 199 steps to the top and see a phenomenal view of the entire peninsula and 30 miles of white beaches. If you decide to climb up, trade the flip-flops for a sturdier shoe like these darlings from Snipe, and throw on some comfy crop pants and a cool light top.

The park and the beaches close at night, so be ready to throw your gear in your bag and head for home or a B&B when the sun starts to set.

In the Tampa area? If you haven't been to Honeymoon Island State Park, you're in the minority; it was Florida's most visited beach in 2007. A barrier island, it's connected to the mainland by the Dunedin Causeway, and boasts four miles of tempting beaches.

Honeymoon Island also has a virgin slash pine forest, seagrass beds, sand dunes, mangrove swamps, and tidal flats. It's home to 62 species of birds, and a variety of wildlife. In May of 2007, a Nature Center opened, with exhibits, hands-on displays and a viewing deck to view the entire island.

Another temptation is the only dog beach in the state of Florida, a dog-lover's paradise. Just keep your dog leashed the whole time, and clean up after him so that others can enjoy the beach too! On Honeymoon Island, there are several nature trails, and the north end of the island has the one of the best shelling areas in the region. It's a great fishing spot; fish include tarpon, snook, flounder, trout and more.

If it's sun and fun you want, head for the beaches. Most are rather narrow except for one at the southern end. That area is popular for weddings and parties. You can reserve areas in advance at the park entry point. Know before you go: the admission is $5 for up to 8 people per car, and $3 for a single occupant. There's a sunset fee of $3.00 per vehicle starting one hour before sunset. If you're planning an event there, the pavilion rental fee is $32.10. The state park and three parking areas are open year round, with hours varying by season and some beaches are closed part of the year to protect nesting shore birds.

Beach gear is a must. Whether you wear flip-flops on the sand, or sturdier sandals for hiking the trails, keep your feet cool. Ladies, sport a new swimsuit in this popular, and populated, park. Bring the rest of your gear in a waterproof bag like this one by SealLines that comes in three sizes, or use a pack with an insulated cooler pocket. Hungry? Honeymoon Island offers a concession area where you can find drinks and snacks, as well as restrooms, showers and picnic areas. Bring your own sunscreen.

Whether you want a solitary day of bird-watching or fishing, or a family beach day, you'll find the perfect beach this week at Honeymoon Island.

Love the outdoors but hate coming home with cuts and scrapes? Protect your skin with the right lightweight clothing to enjoy the experience without wearing unnecessary layers. The Patagonia Men's Dispatch Pants are a pair of easily packable, low-maintenance pants that you can wear for a short walk, a long trek or just to relax in after a busy day.

When warm temperatures and bright sunny days are in the forecast, you're probably setting your sights on a trekking adventure in the forest or backcountry. It's tempting to throw on a pair of shorts for the day, but many savvy hikers know that cutoffs and shorts aren't going to protect those legs on the trails.

The best strategy is to wear loose and comfortable clothing; this is important for hikers, trekkers, camping enthusiasts and even city folk who want to get out and explore for the day. Lightweight pants that wick away moisture and protect your skin can keep you cool and comfortable in almost any climate. These types of pants also reduce the chances of getting bug bites, suffering from excessive sun burn or dealing with extreme allergies from plants and flowers. Pairing these pants up with a lightweight shirt or tee that can be layered with a hoodie or puffy jacket is the best choice for longer hikes, treks and camping trips.

The Patagonia Dispatch Pants are made with a quick-dry, nylon and polyester fabric blend, which means they're an ultra-breathable pair for even the most hectic day. Plus, you can layer these under a pair of heavy-duty fleece pants or other outdoor gear when temperatures drop. Roll them up and tuck them into your backpack, suitcase or gym duffel or even stow a pair away in the trunk of your car for any last-minute trips or getaways.

The Patagonia Men's Dispatch Pants are available in espresso or black. Match them up with almost any basic piece from your outdoor wardrobe and head out on your adventure in comfort and style. When you want to pack minimally and head out on a fuss-free adventure, a pair of lightweight and versatile pants is a necessity.

Spring Break season means more sun and surf time will be filling up the calendar, so you'll need to pack comfy and versatile gear to make the most of your adventures in the great outdoors.

A pair of cushioned sandals is a great way to kick off the season in style! The Columbia PFG Marlin sandals are a super-lightweight pair made with waterproof lining, a contoured foot bed and a non-slip grip and tread for extra comfort. You can say goodbye to sore and distressed feet after your day of trekking across beach territory for your perfect spot under the sun.

The best thing about these sandals is the extra padding. Whether you're hitting the boardwalk on Venice Beach or been sunning on the sand in the Bahamas, you can protect those toes from the scorching sands and pebbles along the waterfront with the contoured foam base. They're slightly flexible too, which means you can jump into that next beach volleyball or other waterfront game without putting stress on your feet by going barefoot. The contoured base fits even wide feet, so you'll get plenty of arch support; the deep tread pattern prevents slipping and sliding on watery surfaces, giving you plenty of traction indoors and out.

If you're a fan of hiking along the oceanfront cliffs or exploring the rainforest on an eco-adventure, these are the sandals to take on the trails. You can slip in and out of them at a moment's notice when you're ready to dip into the lake or stream, and they're super-easy to rinse off if you get stuck in muddy waters. For cleaning, a quick rinse or scrub in soapy water followed by an air drying session is all it takes to keep these sandals in tip-top shape.

And don't forget to protect those toes even further with plenty of sunscreen and moisturizer. Your feet need as much attention as the skin on your face and body when you're out in the sun; these thong sandals won't cover up much when you're spending hours outdoors, so load up on SPF 30 or higher moisturizer to prevent chapping, flaking and sunburn!

One of the most important things to learn if you're going to be trekking in the wilderness is how to create a shelter for yourself. Most survivalists don't carry tents with them on journeys because they are too heavy and sort of defeat the purpose of surviving without any creature comforts.

And as you learned in grade school science, shelter is one of the key human needs for survival.

A survivor knows that he or she can create a shelter with numerous materials, depending on the environment. You would use different things to construct a shelter if you were trekking through the rain forest than if you found yourself in the mountains. While shelter is more important during the winter months, you'll need some type of covering even in milder climes.

First, the goal is not to create the biggest shelter you can construct. If it's cold outside, you're going to want a shelter that is large enough to fit your entire body comfortably, but small enough to restrict the escape of body heat. The shelter should also serve as a morale booster; when you are protected from the elements, you will naturally feel safer in your environment.

In some cases, you might be able to find a natural shelter already created for you. Caves, for example, are an excellent form of shelter because they provide protection on all sides and often have a small mouth that will keep you safe from larger predators.

However, survivors know that there are times when you have to build your own shelter out of materials you collect in the wilderness.

An axe is a handy, lightweight tool to have with you during a survival excursion. You can use it to cut small branches from trees and construct a lean-to using the side of a boulder, tree or other natural formation.

You should also bring with you rope and a light source to make your job easier.

Surviving isn't difficult when you know how to use your surroundings to create a shelter but make sure you explore different methods depending on where you are traveling.

Yellowstone National Park continues to attract millions of avid hikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts each year. If you're one of the many hiker paying respects Old Faithful this season, make sure you're well-prepared for the adventure.

Here are a few essentials for making it through your Yellowstone trail like a pro:

Layer it up
Wearing layers is essential when hiking or camping in Yellowstone's temperate climate. Many areas of the park experience rain showers and chilly winds, especially during the autumn and winter seasons. Make sure you're well prepared for inclement weather with wool socks, moisture-wicking pants and shirts, an insulated vest, a wool beanie and a lightweight puffy jacket for any evening excursions on the itinerary.

Don't get Stuck in the mud
The trails are usually very wet and muddy at the beginning of the year; make sure you're wearing comfortable hiking boots that provide plenty of ankle support and will prevent your toes from getting wet. You may need trekking poles to make it across some of the bogs and marshes on the more challenging trails, so map out your route and factor in weather conditions well beforehand.

Pack up that First Aid Kit
Whether you're putting together your own or picking up a pre-made kit, make sure you're well prepared to manage insect bites, cuts, bruises and small wounds. While you won't have many rocky boulders to conquer on the beginner's trails in Yellowstone, you might find yourself forging through forests, thermal springs and canyons. Wrap up those wounds and treat insect bites in a flash with basic supplies stocked in your first aid kit.

Cook Smart to Avoid Bear Attacks
When you're setting up camp in Bear Country, make sure you're doing everything you can to avoid a bear attack. Many hikers and campers encounter bears in Yellowstone because they're not prepared; leaving food unattended at the campsite or cooking and storing food in open areas will leave a scented trail that attracts bears day and night. Use an efficient cooking and food heating system for your meals to make that food prep and cleanup is a cinch.

I know that many survivalists prefer to head out into the wilderness with nothing more high tech than a digital watch. However, even the most talented and intelligent survivalists sometimes run astray of their path, and a GPS system can avoid catastrophe in such situations.

In other words, GPS might save your life if you throw one into your pack along with your map, compass, knife, food stuffs and other gear. In fact, some survivalists won't leave home without this handy device.

The great thing about GPS for survivalists is that you can use it only when you absolutely have to. If you never encounter a situation where your survival depends on knowing where the heck you are, leave the gadget in your pack and pretend you don't even have it.

When you're buying a GPS device, however, there are a few things survivalists should keep in mind. Simply picking the first one off the shelf is a mistake, particularly if you will only be using your GPS device for outdoor wilderness training.

First, your GPS system should be small and easy to carry. When you're trekking through the wilderness, the last thing you want is more weight, and a smaller device will be more accessible in an emergency.

You'll also want a GPS system that is waterproof. Not only might you find yourself accidentally falling into a lake or stream, but rain and other forms of precipitation will ruin a non-water-proof gadget.

Depending on where you go for survivalist excursions, hiking, trekking and other activities, you might want to choose a GPS device that allows you to store points or locations along your route. This will help you stay on track throughout your journey, especially if it is taking you through unknown territory.

And finally, don't replace your compass and map with a GPS device. Yes, GPS can make survival easier, but there are some places where it won't be helpful. Ravines, trenches, ridges and hollows are a few locations where GPS doesn't always work, so make sure you have backup equipment.

Looking for a challenging trail that hikes over a few mountains, sticks you in the wilderness away from your comfort zone and allows you to explore a remote area of New Hampshire that few people ever visit? Then look no further. The Cohos Trail in New Hampshire is it. The Cohos Trail begins its winding way just south of the White Mountains and heads north up to Canada. It crosses several mountain ranges and even climbs up to over 4,500 feet (the peak of Mount Eisenhower), so it's not one for those who don't like heights. It is, however, a beautiful part of New Hampshire, and any nature buff would love hiking on this 160-mile trail.

The Cohos Trail has many delights, including more than 50 species of birds; Table Rock, with one of the scariest views imaginable (you really are that high up, with a straight drop down); waterfalls with a kettle hole; lunch spots with stupendous views; a suspension foot bridge to cross and several high peaks you can climb.

You can hike the entire Cohos Trail, which will take you around 10 to 14 days, or you can do one of many day hikes. For a cool day hike, try the Davis Path to Stairs Mountain near Notchland, Percy Peak Trail or Percy Loop Trail.

The Cohos Trail really is that remote, but recently more campsites have been established, and several information kiosks have been opened along the way. So, if you're thinking of heading up the Cohos Trail, don't hesitate. The campsites are in beautiful spots, there's now a hostel you can stay at only a few miles off the trail, and there's also a new guidebook, which will help you all the way along the trail. The Cohos Trail is also being expanded by another 20 to 40 miles, which are projected to be ready by next year, with some new trails ready as early as spring 2009. Why not be the first to try them out? If you're doing it in the fall or spring, don't forget to pack your winter woolies. You'll need them up on the higher elevations.

Outdoor enthusiasts aren't the only ones in need of a disaster preparedness survival kit. Driving across wintery terrain in a car, truck, SUV or snowmobile may lead you to hazardous road conditions that leave you stranded for several hours. When you're battling those icy roads and brutal winter temperatures this season, make sure your car or vehicle is well stocked with some basic survival gear:

Medical Supplies
If you survive an accident or have a last-minute emergency to manage, a first aid kit can hold you over until you can find some professional help. Pack a simple first aid kit supply bag in the backseat of the car or vehicle for easy access in case of an emergency.

Food Supply
Being stranded on icy roads may mean you go without food for several hours. Being hungry can reduce the ability to make sound decisions and make it hard to stay focused and warm. Make sure you have at least one thermos or flask filled with hot soup or foodstuffs so you can feed your brain and body in the case of an emergency.

Blanket or Sleeping Bag
If you're stuck without heat for several hours, you have to find a way to stay warm. A thermal blanket or sleeping bag will keep those toes and hands plenty warm when temperatures drop, so you'll need to drape yourself in a warm covering until help arrives at the scene. Just roll this up and throw it in the backseat or trunk; this is just as important for a camping trip as it is for a long road trip across snowy terrain!

Water
Fill up a water flask with water that won't freeze on you during your excursion. You'll need an ample supply of water to stay well hydrated for several hours on the road, so plan to store at least 1-2 gallons of water in the vehicle in case of an emergency.

Light Source
Headlamps and flashlights can help you navigate your path if you get a flat tire or find yourself in unknown territory. Just pack some light gear with fully charged batteries before you hit the road as an extra safety measure.

There are few places in this world that I would consider "perfect" for a vacation. Every destination has its flaws, its drawbacks, its annoyances. If I had to choose one place, however, where I would spend every vacation if possible, it would be Sanibel Island in Florida.

Sanibel Island is the ideal tropical paradise. It has pristine, white beaches perfect for making sandcastles, sparkling water with plenty of sea life, every tropical plant you can imagine and a wide array of tourist activities. All this makes Sanibel Island a home away from home for many Floridians. Of course, it doesn't matter where you live as long as you can hop on a plane, because Sanibel Island is only a short drive from Fort Meyers International Airport.

Rather than spending your vacation in a stuffy hotel room with air conditioning that blows too cold, stay the night at one of the Gulf Breeze Cottages, which are situated right on the beach and provide a stunning view in both the morning and night. You can rent bicycles to travel around the island rather than bringing your car, and you can take short cruises if you want to get on the water.

There are plenty of sporting activities on Sanibel Island, so this is the perfect vacation for athletic travelers. Golf, tennis, boating, in-line skating, basketball and racquetball are all popular in town. You can also try your hand at parasailing or water skiing if it suits you.

The best part of visiting Sanibel Island, however, is the shelling. Collectors of sea shells will assume they've died and shot straight to heaven, because there are millions of unique, colorful shells on all the beaches of the island. There is even a seashell museum on Sanibel-Captiva Road.

For your visit to Sanibel Island, I recommend a pair of comfortable sandals for long walks on the beach and strolls through town. The Birkenstock Arizonas are a great choice for men and women alike, with a contoured foot bed and raised toe bar.