The response to our last blog post, The “Leave No Trace Approach,” was outstanding. So many of you reached out with the same thoughts, compassion, and interest in trying to make this world a better, safer, and healthier place.
I am so thrilled that so many of you have listened to this message and want to take action. Stay tuned for a very exciting campaign being launched in June. This campaign will be a fantastic way to build our community, make friends, and clean up our trails, all at the same time.
Some of you had questions and wanted further elaboration, definitions, and explanation of the Leave No Trace principles. I figured now would be the perfect time to better explain each tactic and principle one by one.
Plan Ahead and Prepare:
The first of the Leave No Trace principles is planning and preparing. These are two of the most important places to start when considering a trip to the woods; day hiking, backpacking, camping, or thru-hiking.
The first place I start is the internet. You have no idea how much information is right at our fingertips. I normally start with AllTrails or the “park” website. You can find so much information here; length, difficulty level, policies, and trail guidelines. These are all super important when planning a trek.
Another great place to check is Pinterest or local bloggers that post about the surrounding areas and trails. I have found so many cool spots from Instagram and bloggers that I’ve followed over the years. They have such great experiences and stories to go along with their experiences. There is a lot of information out there, you just have to search.
My next step in preparation is checking the weather. This is a big one! You will need to know exactly how to prepare, pack, and proceed based on the weather conditions and elements. Mother Nature doesn’t mess around – which is why we should always be prepared. This also helps in planning which gear to bring. Always plan for a multiple season trip. Many spots become much colder at night and sweltering during the day. Knowing the weather ahead of time will make this part of preparation a little easier. You’ll thank me later.
Something else I like to do is actually download the maps to my phone. This is a great back-up plan in case you lose service or run out of battery. It is always best to prepare for the worst.
I will never forget a time I was in over my head and wished I had paid better attention to my map system, phone battery level, and gear that I’d packed. Trust me, I will never make those mistakes again thanks to a horrible experience. Back up chargers are always a good idea if you have the extra room.
Another tip I always like to share is keep a family member or friend in the loop. Better safe than sorry! You really never know, and it’s not worth the risk.
Clearly, planning and preparation are KEY components of the Leave No Trace basic principles list.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces:
Respecting the trails itself plays a huge part in how to responsibly enjoy the great outdoors.
Traveling and camping on durable surfaces is meant to teach you the mentality of actually sticking to the path without disturbing the surrounding elements. Slopes, wet soil, grassy meadows, and ferns are just a few examples of surfaces you should try and avoid. If you see a puddle in the middle of your walk way, you should splash on through the mud.
Sticking to designated trails and marked paths of soil, pavement, rocks, and gravel are on the list of appropriate walking surfaces.
Another important rule when it comes to this section is to NEVER cut vegetation. Do your best to respect the elements while enjoying yourself on an overnight trip to the woods. If you are thru-hiking, you might have to search for the perfect spot. Designated camp grounds and marked areas always make this decision easier and safer.
Dispose of Waste Properly:
If you are new here, you should probably be brought up to speed on my passionate feelings about properly disposing of waste when outdoors, which is number three of the Leave No Trace principles.
April 4, 2020
“My heart broke a little bit for humanity today.
Yesterday I spoke on manifesting only positivity for this unknown future. I spoke about taking care of your mind, body, soul, and overall self care.
The response I got from this amazing community was overwhelming and compassionate.
Today is a different day and my heart breaks for the human race.
Today was the first day in over a week that I was brave enough to venture out and into the woods for a hike. Our state still allows people to head outside, get fresh air, and work on our self care.
I hike in a, basically, private park that has over 1,110 acres of private trails. Since January 2nd of this year, I have walked these trails almost every single day. They bring me so much happiness and have helped motivate and continue this uphill health journey I have embarked on.
These trails have brought so much joy into my life and have made me an overall better person – until today.
Today I walked the same private trails and was absolutely enraged and heart broken by all the trash that was left behind. I kid you not – gloves, multiple USED dog poop bags, sanitizer wipes, cottage cheese containers, salt packets, YOU NAME IT – were left and discarded in a place I appreciate and love. I mean… cottage cheese containers – really?
Why, after several weeks of isolation, quarantine, and uncertainty of normalcy are we still treating this earth like a giant garbage bag? Have we not learned enough during this time of chaos and sadness?
What broke me even more was the fact that I wasn’t prepared, safety wise, to be able to pick up the trash and properly discard the waste. I had to walk away, turn the other cheek, and act like what I had seen was okay. That’s not normally my personality and it crushed my soul.
I normally don’t rant on social media – but I truly think we can do better as an entire population.
Please join with me to do our part in making this world, earth, America, your state, your house, etc a safer and better space.
I will continue to empower women to live their best outdoors lives, and hope that everyone will do their part to leave no trace, and live to see a better day!
END RANT!”
This is a MAJOR issue that needs to be discussed with a plan of action set in motion.
The concept of pack in and pack out are concepts that should be taught to everyone.
Outdoor ethics are super important and this is an amazing place to start. There are so many other amazing concepts and ways to practice this mentality.
Sometimes it’s important to get a little refresher course on outdoor ethics and the proper ways to respect our environment and atmosphere. Clearly one is needed.
Occasionally people forget the dangers this could potentially bring to the area. From time to time animals are attracted to areas with trash and unsafe food storage. Then both the people and the animals are put in a predicament that could have easily been avoided. I understand this is the extreme, but it definitely happens.
Due to incidents like this, some sites lose foot traffic because of poor reviews and word of mouth horror stories. Obviously some are unavoidable, but imagine how many situations would be different if we had more knowledge and respect.
Obviously certain lengthy trips cause for bathroom breaks, bathing, and the occasional dish washing. It is important to take each situation and map out a plan ahead of time. Toilet waste and menstrual cycles are just inevitable. This definitely shouldn’t deter you from enjoying life in the wild, as long as you research the proper procedure for handling the waste.
It’s really not that hard, people. If you have trash, dispose of it correctly. The world could be a much happier and healthier place if we all did a little more noticing and acting.
From one outdoor lover to another, please do your best to be respectful. These guidelines are very simple.
I really do believe that each one of us can do our tiny part to make this planet a better and safer place.
Leave What You Find:
Ever since I first started enjoying the great outdoors, I have been taught three very simple rules when it comes to this topic:
- Observe It
- Photograph It
- Leave It
I will happily follow the rules and observe, photograph, and leave. I’m not really the kind of girl that wants to tamper with historical and prehistorical artifacts and the surrounding nature.
Depending on the allowance of some places, obviously fishing, hunting, and foraging are discussions for another day. Each of these well-loved hobbies have certain guidelines and locations. I won’t stand in the way of any connoisseur that respects the rules, the basic laws of nature, and has impeccable outdoor ethics. To each their own.
Minimize Campfire Impacts:
Above all, one of my absolute favorite places to be is around a campfire. It’s so easy to forget the negative impacts that come from such an enjoyable event. This brings us to number five of the Leave No Trace principles.
Firstly, it’s important to build your fire in a smart spot. Finding a preexisting space or designated area is obviously convenient. Secondly, tons of camping sites have fire rings or some type of rock. This makes things very easy. Obviously not every single outing results in the slumber taking place on an actual camp ground. My thru-hikers know exactly what i’m talking about. Thirdly, just use your brain and make a good choice if foraging a spot is your only option. Obviously, life happens and sometimes you have to improvise for your safety. Understandable circumstances are just a part of life’s every day reality.
In conclusion, the majorly important key is to leave a clean area. Therefore, you are leaving the environment in a cleaner manor and setting the next person up for an enjoyable evening around the campfire.
Respect Wildlife:
Every time I think of this topic, I literally picture Mufasa talking to Simba about the circle of life. Are you now singing the song in your head like I am? No?
Mufasa: Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance. As king, you need to understand that balance and respect all the creatures, from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope.
Young Simba: But dad, don’t we eat the antelope?
Mufasa: Yes, Simba, but let me explain. When we die, our bodies become the grass, and the antelope eat the grass. And so we are all connnected in the great Circle of Life.
The Lion King, 1994
Anyways, I picture this scene because there is an important lesson to learn from the words Mufasa is telling his son.
So many animals and species depend on their surroundings and environment to survive. Why would we want to interfere with their ways of life and intrude into a world we don’t belong?
There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors without interfering with wildlife. It is important to never approach an animal. They could look cute, but it’s really not worth the risk. You could put yourself and the animal in danger.
Listen to Mufasa and let the world exist in a delicate balance. We are all connected in the great Circle of Life.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors:
Last but not least, the seventh of the Leave No Trace principles is one of the most important on the list.
To round things out, it’s important to always be considerate of the others around you. They are trying to enjoy the outdoor elements and the sense of calm Mother Nature intended to give us.
Furthermore, I try to follow the basic guidelines of the trails. Downhill yields to uphill. Trust me, you’ll be able to hear me coming from a mile away. Mountain bikers are technically supposed to yield to hikers, but sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry and just move out of the way.
Something else I always do is say hello. Every now and again I get ignored, but that’s life. Everyone is allowed to hike their own hike.
Always take care of your dog. Follow the park rules and pick up after them.
Private property is private for a reason.
Share the trails. I encourage other people to get outdoors and breath in the fresh air. I will always step aside to let someone else soak in the healing powers of the outdoors.
Lastly, treat others how you would like to be treated. This is the golden rule on and off the trails.
In conclusion, just remember that these are some of the basic leave no trace principles I follow every single time I step foot into Mother Nature’s homestead. No matter where I am, I always make sure to be respectful and follow these principles. Outdoor etiquette is something we could all use a little refresher course on.
I truly believe each one of us can do our part in making this world a better place.
From here, I will work as hard as I can to build this community and strive to make this earth a smarter and safer place. Our future depends on this!
Happy Trekking!
