Best-selling writer, podcaster and comedian Baratunde Thurston travels the country to better understand and explain people's complex relationship with the outdoors in a series on PBS.

America Outdoors is one of a growing number of travel shows that aims to shift how we talk about nature and our relationship to it, and to change who we trust to tell us those stories. In this engaging series, writer, podcaster and comedian Baratunde Thurston travels across America and offers insightful commentary about race, gender, ablelism, and other forms of difference to rightfully remind us that there is no singular experience of nature. From biologists saving snapping turtles to Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) mountain bikers, Baratunde meets a fascinating cast of characters with one thing in common: a passion for being and enjoying the great outdoors.
In the first season of the show, Baratunde covered diverse places, including Appalachia, Death Valley, Idaho, Los Angeles, and Minnesota. The series is now in its second season, with episodes so far taking place in Arkansas, New Mexico, Oregon, and the Suwannee River. While we may have good quantitative data about visitors from reports like those published by the Outdoor Industry Association (see Who Is Enjoying the Great Outdoors?), America Outdoors offers rich qualitative data and effective storytelling that help to expand our understanding and perspective of the who, how, why, and where of those enjoying the outdoors.
For a preview of the second second of the series, please visit this link.
FULL STORY: America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston

Eugene Ends Parking Minimums
In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.

How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit
A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.

How ‘Daylighting’ Intersections Can Save Lives
Eliminating visual obstructions can make intersections safer for all users.

States Scramble in Wake of Clean Water Act Ruling
The removal of federal oversight of wetlands has left millions of acres unregulated and erected major hurdles for lawmakers seeking to protect them.

Brightline West Awarded $3 Billion in Federal Funding
The high-speed rail line will cut travel time between Southern California and Las Vegas roughly in half.

OKC Celebrates New Rapid Bus Line With Free Rides
The agency wants to showcase the benefits of a recently opened BRT line connecting the northwest part of the city to downtown.
City of Kissimmee - Development Services
City of Kissimmee - Development Services
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Park City Municipal Corporation
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.