Olivia Young

Olivia Young is a freelance journalist and media professional who has covered travel, sustainability, and science for National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, Thrillist, Afar, Atlas Obscura, Midwest Living and other digital and print publications.

Piles of Mushrooms Are Rotting in This Colorado Town to Help Curb Forest Fires

Meet the Colorado community members using fungi to combat fires in their neighborhoods

By Olivia Young August 5, 2026

In this story: climate adaptation, wildfire, climate change, science

Close-up of mushrooms, Longmont, Colorado.

The Appalachian Trail’s First Female Solo Hiker Started a Hiking Legacy

Grandma Gatewood’s family still hikes the Ohio Buckeye Trail she established decades ago

By Olivia Young July 15, 2025

In this story: adventure, hiking, outdoor recreation

Sunlight pours through the trees onto a wide-angle view of Ash Cave with a trickle of water falling

Olivia Young

Piles of Mushrooms Are Rotting in This Colorado Town to Help Curb Forest Fires

The Appalachian Trail’s First Female Solo Hiker Started a Hiking Legacy

The Sierra Club

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