In partnership with The Wonder of the Natural World   Adventure is everywhere, and here at Atlas Obscura, we believe that you don’t have to travel far to find the hidden wonders. There are fascinating treasures right where you are, from the plants that grow all around us, to the outdoor wonders that might lie around the corner. In partnership with Merrell, we bring you Turf Tutorials, a series of nature guides and stories to help you dive back into all the wonder the natural world has to offer. Get out and start exploring today for National Take A Hike Day. #HikeYourTurf   SPONSORED BY MERRELL   Turf Tutorial: Foraging   Sometimes the smallest wonders are right around our feet. Herbalist Vanessa Chakour dives into the world of foraging, inviting us to explore plants and fungi in urban wilds, forest edges, woodlands, deserts, and wetlands while offering guidelines for mindful harvesting and thoughtful practices for building intimacy with wild plants and the land. You may be surprised at who and what has been there all along.      READ MORE SPONSORED BY MERRELL    Turf Tutorial: Urban Naturalism   Did you know that there’s a dormant volcano sitting in the middle of Portland, Oregon? Urban environments hold all kinds of unique natural phenomena like this and offer some of the most accessible outdoor and earth science wonders that anyone can discover. Geologist Ruby McConnell guides us through the concept of urban naturalism to help us hone our observation skills and cultivate a sense of curiosity as you explore the city.      READ MORE SPONSORED BY MERRELL   Turf Tutorial: Stargazing    You may think becoming an astronomer requires studying math and physics and owning fancy computer-operated telescopes, but you don’t need anything more than your eyes. If you become hooked, you can dive deeper at any time, but to start you only need to step outside. Discover the secrets of stargazing just in time for a partial lunar eclipse with this guide from rocket scientists and radio astronomer Summer Ash.      READ MORE SPONSORED BY MERRELL   Turf Tutorial: Birdwatching    Birding should be a holistic experience—and it's something you can discover just about anywhere. Experience the feeling of being an explorer in search of wonder, even in an area that you already know well, with these tips from birder David Lindo. From the comfort of your windowsill, your next stroll through the park, or a hike through a nature refuge, find a new sense of wonder when you discover a bird species you’ve never seen before.     READ MORE