Natural History Wanderings

A great resolution for nature lovers to help protect your National Parks can be to practice Leave No Trace principles all year round.

The principles of Leave No Trace are low impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. Although Leave No Trace has its roots in backcountry settings, the actions can be applied anywhere — from remote wilderness areas, to local parks and even in your own backyard.

Follow these seven points to minimize your impact on the outdoors:

• Plan ahead and prepare

• Travel and camp on durable surfaces

• Dispose of waste properly

• Leave what you find

• Minimize campfire impacts

• Respect wildlife

• Be considerate of other visitors