Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace: Taking Care of the Outdoors (Just Like a Good Scout Should)
When we head outside to camp, hike, or explore, we are guests in nature. Leave No Trace is a set of simple principles that help us enjoy the outdoors while making sure it stays clean, safe, and beautiful for everyone who comes after us. Think of it as the outdoor version of “leave it better than you found it.”
1. Plan Ahead and Be Prepared
Good adventures start with good planning. Knowing where you are going, what the weather will be like, and what you need to bring helps prevent problems. When you are prepared, you are less likely to damage the environment or put yourself at risk.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Stick to trails, campsites, and areas that are already used. Walking or camping on grass, trails, rocks, or gravel protects plants and prevents erosion. Cutting across new areas may seem faster, but it can harm fragile plants and wildlife habitats.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack it in, pack it out. This means all garbage, food scraps, and litter come home with you. Even small things like orange peels or sunflower seed shells do not belong in nature. Always use washrooms when available, or follow proper outdoor bathroom rules if you are in the backcountry.
4. Leave What You Find
Rocks, plants, feathers, and other natural items should stay where they are. Taking souvenirs might seem fun, but it changes the environment and takes away from someone else’s experience. Photos make the best souvenirs.
5. Minimize Campfire Impact
Campfires can be fun, but they are not always necessary. Use camp stoves when possible, follow local fire rules, and keep fires small. Always make sure your fire is completely out before leaving the area.
6. Respect Wildlife
Animals are not pets. Watch them from a distance and never feed them. Human food can make animals sick and cause them to rely on people, which can be dangerous for both animals and humans.
7. Be Considerate of Others
Share the outdoors. Keep noise levels low, yield on trails, and respect other campers and hikers. Everyone deserves a positive outdoor experience.
Leave No Trace is about responsibility, respect, and leadership. By following these principles, youth help protect the outdoors and show others how to be good stewards of nature. When we care for the land, the land will be there for future adventures, campouts, and memories.
