As a young kid exploring the nature trails around the National Wildlife Federation where my dad worked, I vividly recall the two, simple rules on the trail sign: Take only pictures, leave only footprints. It was my first introduction to the principles of Leave No Trace, and it’s stuck with me ever since. I’ve hiked …
When you roll into camp after hiking all day with a 50-pound pack on your back, you look forward eating a hot meal and going to straight to bed. You don’t look forward to having to clean the dishes after finishing your meal. Washing dishes in the backcountry may seem like a burden, but it’s …
Avid hikers, campers, cyclists and rock climbers all rely on trails and paths to keep them heading in the right direction. Those who are tech-savvy use GPS gadgets or their phone’s GPS to help them track their whereabouts. Having mentioned this, have you ever wonder how our ancestors managed not to get lost in the …
Created by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, the Seven Principles are a guideline for minimizing our impact on nature when we’re hiking, camping, or just exploring. It goes beyond the simple mantra of “take only pictures, leave only footprints.” The act of leaving no trace extends to proper preparation for your trip, …
There are many reasons why the overuse of hot springs is problematic, including threats to human safety, but the core issue is the fact that the land cannot repair itself fast enough to keep up with the damage that people are causing. So, are hot springs threatened by overuse and constant visitation? Hot springs are …