Take only pictures, leave only footprints: How to care for Mother Earth and still enjoy her! Leave No Trace

The Principles Pack it in, pack it out – no littering Leave what you find – don’t take anything from nature Know before you go – plan ahead Choose the right path – stay on the trails and in the campgrounds that are already there Minimize fires – only have a fire when you HAVE to Respect Wildlife- don’t bother the plants, animals, or bugs Be Kind to the other people you meet

Know Before You Go Plan Ahead Check the weather and pack the right clothes and plenty of water & food Use a map to show where you’ll go so you don’t get lost & leave your map with someone at home so they can find you in an emergency Read books about the area before you go  The more you know, the more fun you’ll have

Pack It In, Pack It Out TRASH YOUR TRASH!! EVERYTHYING you take on your trip you MUST take home If you litter on Mother Earth it will stay there until someone else cleans up. Use bathrooms or outhouses when they are available (PLAN AHEAD) –if you have to ‘go’: choose a spot 100 BIG steps from a water source (river, stream, lake, or ocean) –dig a hole 1 hand deep and burry your poop. –Pack your toilet paper in a bag and carry it out Keep water clean: Do NOT put food, soap, poop, or trash in the water

Choose the Right Path Use camp areas that are ALREADY there Walk on the main trail to protect nature Don’t walk on plants, flowers, or animals  once they are hurt they might never grow back

Minimize Fires Use a gas camp stove for cooking  Safer and Easier to clean Check the fire danger level first! IF its safe to have a fire: use a fire ring that is already there!  protects the fire from spreading and doesn’t bother wildlife Make sure the fire is COMPLETELY OUT before you leave

Respect Wildlife NEVER approach (go towards) wildlife NEVER feed or follow animals Watch wildlife from a distance Store your food and trash tightly and hang it from a tree or post (deer story) Control your pets or leave them at home

Be Kind to Other Visitors Have fun! Explore! But remember not to bother anyone else Other people are there to enjoy nature too; we all enjoy in different ways. Listen to nature, she has a lot to say Try not to make loud noises or yell If you meet horses on the trail, step aside and speak softly until they pass? Why is this important?

Summarize (tell me the important stuff) TAKE ONLY PICTURES 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

POP QUIZ On a piece of paper write or draw 2 things that you can do to protect Mother Earth while you’re exploring outdoors Your paper should look like this  BONUS: How many big steps away from water should you be if you have to ‘go’?