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Most people have at least heard of Habitat for Humanity. But when I dug a little deeper and sifted through the ol’ letters in the attic of the house (so to speak), I uncovered some interesting details.

When we’re trying to achieve our dreams, it can be easy to be overwhelmed by all of the steps between where we are today and where we ultimately want to be. MOTHER EARTH NEWS writer Jenna Woginrich suggests a great idea for a fresh perspective and making your goals more attainable. If you look at the next 60 minutes, what can you do in the next hour to get closer to your goals?

When Chad Pregracke was 22, his frustration with the multitudes of trash in and around the Mississippi River began to boil over. A little more than a decade later, he’s taking charge with a nonprofit organization and help from a cadre of volunteers. Look out, river pollution - they’re hosting river cleaning events, educational workshops, and improving riverbottom wildlife habitat. Here’s Chad’s story, from his childhood on the Mississippi to today’s tireless quest to keep it and others across the country from being treated like sewers and landfills.

Incorporate fruiting trees, shrubs and vines into your yard, and you’ll enjoy the double benefits of a gorgeous landscape and luscious edible treats. To determine the best plants for your site, you’ll want to consider several factors, including your desired yield and ornamental qualities, along with your location’s hardiness zone and available pollination (some plants need other plants nearby for pollination). Here’s a detailed guide to help you choose the right plants for your yard.

Jan. 2, 2010 broadcast topics: Living with Ed TV show, MOTHER EARTH NEWS’ 40th Anniversary, Net Zero Energy Living, Poultry, Do It Yourself Projects, Introducing the MOTHER EARTH NEWS radio show

Check out these tips and share your ideas for welcoming 2010 with a green New Year’s Eve party.

Add gourmet fare to your menu by learning how to trap turtles and remove and cook turtle meat. Follow these instructions from the book “Campfire Cooking: A Practical Handbook” by Fred Bouwman, and try these recipes for Camp Turtle Soup and Fried Turtle.

Jerky is a classic camp and trail food, and by making it yourself, you can experiment with meats and seasonings to create your own custom campfire cuisine. Follow these instructions from the book ”Campfire Cooking: A Practical Handbook” by Fred Bouwman to learn how to make jerky, and try this simple recipe for savory Camp Jerky.

Rice is a delicious and versatile grain that’s fun to grow yourself. And, because commercial grain processing removes the germ and bran, your homegrown rice will retain all of its healthful vitamins and minerals. Learn about many types of rice and all about growing your own in this excerpt from the book “Homegrown Whole Grains” by Sara Pitzer.

Wild berries grow throughout almost the entire North American continent. From blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries to cranberries, cherries, grapes and many other varieties, learn how to successfully hunt, pick, identify and enjoy fresh, flavorful wild berries.