Heading out for an adventure in nature is an amazing way to unwind and reconnect. But with great exploration comes great responsibility! The 7 Leave No Trace principles offer a simple framework to minimize your impact on the environment and ensure a positive experience for everyone. From respecting wildlife to properly disposing of waste, these principles will guide you towards becoming a responsible and sustainable outdoor adventurer.
1. Plan Ahead
Pack smart and tread lightly! As you gear up for your adventure, focus on just the essentials. Lay out all your gear and ask yourself—do I really need this? Streamline your pack to reduce your impact and make your wilderness journey even more enjoyable.
Read the 10 Essentials for Getting Outdoors Article Here
2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Embark on your outdoor escapades with a mission: explore nature without leaving a trace! Knowing how your journey affects the environment is key. When we trample surface vegetation or disturb habitats, the damage can be irreversible. Where we choose to camp also matters—a barren spot can lead to soil erosion and unwanted trails. By mastering the art of traveling and camping on durable surfaces, we can protect these beautiful spaces for future adventurers. Let's tread lightly!
Helpful Tips:
Stick to durable surfaces like established trails, campsites, rocks, gravel, dry grasses, or even snow.
Keep riparian areas pristine by camping at least 200 feet away from lakes and streams.
Remember, great campsites are discovered, not created—no need to alter the landscape.
In popular spots:
Stick to existing trails and campsites to keep the impact low.
Walk single file right down the middle of the trail, even if it's wet or muddy—embrace the adventure!
Keep campsites cozy and compact, focusing your activities in areas without vegetation.
In untouched areas:
Spread out to prevent new campsites and trails from forming.
Steer clear of spots where impacts are just beginning to show.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Nobody likes a litterbug! The waste we create while basking in the beauty of nature can have serious consequences if not handled properly. Plan ahead to manage your waste like a pro—know the right techniques for disposing of every type in the area you're visiting. Think about the impact you leave behind. Let's keep our outdoor spaces pristine for other adventurers, protect our precious water sources, and safeguard wildlife.
The Basics
Pack it in, pack it out: Leave no trace behind! Check your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled food. Pack out all trash, leftovers, and litter. And remember, burning trash is never recommended.
Handle solid human waste like a pro: Dig cat-holes 6-8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and camouflage the cat-hole when you're done.
Toilet paper tactics: Pack it out along with your hygiene products.
Stay fresh and clean responsibly: When washing yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes. Use a little biodegradable soap and scatter strained dishwater to minimize impact.
4. Leave What You Find
Every item in nature has its place in the ecosystem and the story of the landscape. Keeping things as they are preserves this beauty and allows others to experience the joy of discovery. So, leave those rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts, and other cool finds right where you see them!
The Basics:
Preserve the past: Admire cultural or historic structures and artifacts, but don’t touch.
Nature’s treasures: Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
Keep it native: Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
No DIY projects: Don’t build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
Campfires are a classic part of camping, but they can leave lasting scars on the environment. Wildfires, often started by humans, pose a serious threat to our outdoor spaces. Let's enjoy our campfires responsibly and keep nature beautiful.
The Basics:
Lighten up: Use a lightweight stove for cooking and a candle lantern for light.
Use established sites: Stick to established fire rings, pans, or mound fires where allowed.
Keep it small: Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
Burn it down: Burn all wood and coal to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
6. Respect Wildlife
When you're out in nature, you're in the home of many wild animals. Minimizing your impact on them helps avoid negative interactions and keeps ecosystems healthy.
The Basics:
Keep your distance: Observe wildlife from afar. Don’t follow or approach them.
No feeding: Feeding wildlife harms their health and alters natural behaviors, exposing them to predators and other dangers.
Control pets: Keep pets on a leash or leave them at home.
Sensitive times: Avoid disturbing wildlife during mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
7. Be Considerate of Others
Courtesy is key to a great outdoor experience for everyone. Excessive noise, uncontrolled pets, and damaged surroundings can ruin the natural vibe. Be mindful of others to ensure everyone enjoys their time in nature.
The Basics:
Respect and protect: Respect others and their experience.
Space out: Camp away from trails and other people.
Keep it quiet: Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
By following these tips and embracing the Leave No Trace principles, we're not only preserving the beauty of our natural spaces but also ensuring that future adventurers can enjoy them too. Let's make every adventure memorable and impactful in the best way possible. Happy exploring and remember—nature's greatest gift is the chance to experience it responsibly. See you on the trails!