Today, it's the Element of Earth in the spotlight with our Earthy Thursday roundup. Where to find fall colors; the world's largest cave; an off-the-grid commune; the Mother of All Seed Banks; fisherman saves eagle; the battle over Mauna Kea.

This great map will help you figure out when and where to see the best fall colors.

One of the world's largest caves (Son Doong in VietNam) just opened for public view revealing an amazing underground landscape.

Living off-the-grid in a rural commune hours from civilization sounds inviting but has hidden costs. This thoughtful and evocative essay describes one family's experience.

The ultimate Seed Savers bank high in the Arctic intends to protect seed diversity against any threat: war, climate change, you-name-it. The Daily Mail has the fascinating details.

This fisherman saved a drowning eagle -- and his video created an internet sensation.

Heather Greene at the Wild Hunt reports on how indigenous Hawaiians are battling a new telescope on the summit of their sacred mountain Mauna Kea.