Want to keep our wild places wild? It’s easier than you think… just a few simple habits can make a huge difference. This checklist helps you remember how to be a friend to the outdoors on every adventure. Print it out, stick it in your pack, and lets protect these amazing spots for everyone, for always.
Get ready before you go
This one’s all about planning. Knowing what youre getting into is key to a good trip and helps you make smart choices out there.
- Know the area: Check regulations, weather forecasts, and any special concerns like fire bans or wildlife alerts. Are permits needed?
- Pack smart: Bring appropriate gear for the conditions. Think layers, navigation tools (map and compass, folks, not just your phone!), and a first-aid kit.
- Food prep: Repackage food to minimize waste. Ditch the bulky boxes and bags at home. Plan meals to avoid leftovers if possible.
- Skills check: Are you and your group’s abilities matched to the trip? Don’t push it too hard.
- Emergency plan: Let someone know where youre going and when you expect to be back. What’s your plan if something goes sideways?
| Prep Item | Checked? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weather Forecast | ☐ | |
| Area Regulations | ☐ | Permits, fire bans, etc. |
| Maps/Navigation | ☐ | Physical map & compass? |
| First-Aid Kit | ☐ | Stocked & accessible? |
| Food Repackaged | ☐ | |
| Emergency Contact | ☐ | Notified of plans? |
Tread lightly on the land
Our feet can leave a mark… or not. Making good choices about where we walk and set up camp protects plants and soil.
- Stay on trails: Existing paths are there for a reason. Cutting corners or making new trails causes erosion and damages plants.
- Camp on durable spots: Use established campsites whenever possible. If you must camp elsewhere, pick spots that are naturally tough – rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow. Avoid fragile meadows or areas close to water.
- Keep campsites small: Focus activity where vegetation is absent. Don’t spread out more than needed.
- Traveling off-trail? If you’re in a pristine area and need to go off-trail, disperse your group so you don’t create a new path. Avoid trampling sensitive vegetation.
Think about it… one person walking off trail might not seem like much, but when hundreds do it, bam, new unwanted trail.
Handle your waste right
Nobody likes to see trash in the wild. “Pack it in, pack it out” is the golden rule. This means everything – food scraps, wrappers, even toilet paper.
- Pack out all trash: Bring a designated trash bag. Dont burn trash in campfires; it rarely burns completely and can release harmful stuff.
- Food bits too: Apple cores, orange peels, nut shells… they might be “natural” but they arent natural here. They can attract animals and take ages to decompose. Pack ’em out.
- Human waste: This is a biggie.
- Urine: Go at least 200 feet (about 70 big steps) from water, trails, and campsites.
- Poop: Dig a cathole 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches wide, also 200 feet from water, trails, and camps. When you’re done, cover it up with the original dirt and disguise it. Pack out your toilet paper in a separate bag. Some high-use or sensitive areas might require you to pack out human waste too, so check local rules!
- Wastewater: For dishes or bathing, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes. Use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
It sounds like a lot, but its just about forming good habits.
Leave nature as you find it
The best souvenir is a great photo and awesome memories. Leave plants, rocks, and historical items for others to enjoy.
- No souvenirs: Dont take rocks, plants, feathers, or anything else natural. Let them be.
- Avoid disturbing sites: Leave historical or cultural artifacts where you find them. Dont build structures, dig trenches, or alter the site.
- Prevent spreading invaders: Clean your boots, gear, and boats before and after trips to avoid carrying non-native seeds or organisms to new places. These invaders can really mess up local ecosystems.
- Good campsites are found, not made: Don’t dig trenches or build big rock rings for your fire. Try to leave your campsite looking like no one was ever there.
Imagine if everyone took just one rock… pretty soon, thered be no rocks left.
Be kind to critters and folks
We share the outdoors with wildlife and other people. A little respect goes a long way.
- Observe wildlife from a distance: Never feed wild animals. It harms their health, changes their natural behaviors, and can make them aggressive. Use binoculars or a zoom lens for a close-up view.
- Store food securely: Keep critters out of your grub by storing food and scented items (like toothpaste) in animal-resistant containers or by hanging them properly, especially in bear country.
- Control your pets: Keep pets leashed or under strict voice control. Dont let them chase wildlife or bother other visitors. Pick up their waste too!
- Share the trail: Be courteous. Yield to others on the path. When resting, move off to the side of the trail.
- Keep the noise down: Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and music. People come to the outdoors for peace and quiet.
Being considerate means everyone has a better time, animals included.