The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace means taking care of nature when we spend time outdoors. It is about leaving the land, plants, and animals as we found them. When we follow Leave No Trace, we help keep outdoor spaces clean and healthy for everyone to enjoy.

When we hike, camp, or explore, we can accidentally harm the environment. Trash left behind can hurt animals. Trampled plants may not grow back. Even small actions can cause big problems over time. Leave No Trace helps us avoid these mistakes by being careful and respectful.

The goal of Leave No Trace is to minimize the damage we cause when we enjoy the outdoors. This means thinking about how we treat the land, water, and wildlife. It also means being mindful of other people who want to enjoy nature too.

Leave No Trace applies to all outdoor activities. Whether you are hiking in the woods, camping in a park, or simply walking on a trail, the principles help you make better choices. When everyone does their part, nature stays beautiful and healthy for years to come.

The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace are rules to help us protect nature. They guide us to make good decisions while outdoors. Following these rules keeps nature clean and healthy.

Plan Ahead and Prepare

• Plan your trip so you know what to expect.
• Know the local rules and regulations.
• Remember to bring food, water, and appropriate clothing.
• Bring a map so you don’t get lost.
• Check if campfires are allowed.
• Bring a bag to pack out your trash.
• Don’t forget a leash for your pet.
• Take the time to learn about the area.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

• Stay on trails and camp in designated areas. This protects fragile plants and soil.
• Try not to disturb wildflowers and other plants. That way everyone can enjoy them!
• Don’t trespass on private property.
• Avoid walking or setting up camp on grass or wildflowers.
• Stick to hard surfaces like dirt, gravel, or rock.

Dispose of Waste Properly

• Remove any trash you bring with you. Make sure it is put in a receptacle or take it with you.
• Even natural materials, like bits of fruit, should not be thrown on the ground. They attract pests and detract from the natural beauty of an area.
• Use a plastic bag to pack out your pet’s waste.
• Bury human waste in a small hole at least 6 inches deep and 200 feet from water. This keeps the area clean and safe for people and wildlife.

Leave What You Find

• Don’t pick flowers, take rocks, or disturb anything. Leave nature as it is for others to enjoy.
• Leave rocks and other objects where they are so others can see them also. Take a picture instead of taking it home.
• Do not mark or carve into living plants.

Minimize Campfire Impact

• Consider using a camp stove instead of building a fire.
• Be careful with fire and follow all fire safety guidelines.
• Use established fire rings or pits.
• Only burn small, manageable amounts of wood.
• Burn only sticks you find on the ground.
• Avoid damaging trees or leaving behind ash.

Respect Wildlife

• Observe animals from a distance.
• Do not feed wildlife. Feeding animals can make them sick or dependent on humans.
• Store your food so animals cannot get to it.
• Do not let your pet chase wildlife.

Be Considerate of Others

• Be courteous to others on trails when biking or running.
• Make room for others on trails and be cautious when passing. Yield to others, especially hikers going uphill.
• Avoid blocking paths or camping too close to other people.
• Don’t disturb others by making lots of noise or playing loud music.
• Respect “No Trespassing” and “Do Not Enter” signs.
• Keep your pet on a leash at all times.

These principles are important because they protect the environment and keep outdoor spaces enjoyable. By following them, we help nature thrive and make it better for everyone.

Outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing bring us closer to nature. But these activities can also harm the environment. Trash, damaged plants, and polluted water are common problems. If we don’t take care of nature, it may not recover.

Leave No Trace helps protect wildlife, water, and land. Animals depend on clean water and healthy habitats. When we leave trash or disturb their homes, we make it harder for them to survive. Clean rivers and lakes are also important for people. Following Leave No Trace keeps these resources safe.

Every person makes a difference. When you follow Leave No Trace, you show respect for nature. Small actions, like packing out trash or staying on trails, add up. Groups, like Scouts, can also lead by example and teach others to protect the environment.

Nature belongs to everyone. By practicing Leave No Trace, we keep outdoor spaces beautiful and healthy. Future generations will thank us for leaving the environment better than we found it.

Teaching Leave No Trace to kids is important. It helps them learn how to take care of the environment. Youth groups like Scouts are a great place to start. You can make learning fun and easy for them to understand.

Start by explaining why Leave No Trace matters. Talk about how trash can hurt animals or how walking off the trail can damage plants. Use simple examples they can relate to. Show them how small actions, like picking up litter, make a big difference.

Games and activities are a great way to teach the principles. Play a scavenger hunt where kids look for “bad habits” like litter or trampled plants. Create a role-playing game where they practice solving Leave No Trace problems. For example, ask, “What should we do with this candy wrapper?”

Encourage kids to practice Leave No Trace every time they go outside. Help them build good habits by setting a good example. Praise them when they make good choices. Remind them that caring for nature is something they can do for a lifetime.

Leave No Trace is a big part of Scouting. It teaches Scouts to care for the environment while enjoying the outdoors. Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing all include Leave No Trace in their programs.

In Cub Scouts, kids start learning about Leave No Trace with simple lessons. They learn how to pick up trash, stay on trails, and respect wildlife. These ideas are part of achievements like outdoor adventures and nature electives.

In Scouts BSA, Leave No Trace is required for rank advancement. For example, Scouts must show they understand the principles for Second Class and First Class ranks. They also learn how to teach Leave No Trace to others for higher ranks like Star and Life.

Venturers take Leave No Trace even further. They can earn the Leave No Trace Ranger Core Requirement by learning and practicing the principles. This helps them become leaders in outdoor ethics.

Scouting has many resources to teach Leave No Trace. Leaders can use handbooks, online guides, and training courses. Scouts can also join activities like hikes or campouts to practice Leave No Trace in real-life situations. Teaching and practicing these skills helps Scouts grow as stewards of the environment.

Outdoor Code

The Outdoor Code is a promise Scouts make to care for nature and act responsibly outdoors. It reminds them to be clean, careful, and respectful in the environment. Following Leave No Trace (LNT) principles is a key part of living by the Outdoor Code. These guidelines help Scouts protect the land, water, and wildlife while enjoying outdoor activities. By following both the Outdoor Code and LNT, Scouts show respect for nature and set a good example for others. Together, they teach Scouts to be thoughtful stewards of the environment and leave the outdoors better for everyone.

Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award

The Outdoor Ethics Awareness and Action awards are for Scouts BSA, Venturers, and adult Scouters. These awards teach responsible outdoor behavior and help develop strong outdoor ethics. Scouts learn the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace principles through videos, courses, and hands-on activities. This helps them understand how to care for the environment while enjoying outdoor adventures. The awards encourage Scouts to apply what they learn in real-life situations, making them leaders in protecting nature. While Cub Scouts do not earn these awards, they can start learning outdoor ethics in age-appropriate ways, preparing them for future opportunities.

What does Leave No Trace mean?

Leave No Trace means taking care of the outdoors. It’s about leaving nature as you found it and not causing harm to the environment.

Why is Leave No Trace important?

Leave No Trace protects nature. It helps keep the land, water, and wildlife healthy. It also makes sure that future generations can enjoy outdoor spaces.

Who should follow Leave No Trace?

Everyone! Whether you’re hiking, camping, fishing, or just enjoying a park, you can follow Leave No Trace.

What are the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace?

The Seven Principles are:

1. Plan ahead and prepare.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
3. Dispose of waste properly.
4. Leave what you find.
5. Minimize campfire impact.
6. Respect wildlife.
7. Be considerate of others.

How can I teach Leave No Trace to kids?

Start with simple lessons. Explain why we take care of nature. Use fun activities like games or scavenger hunts to make learning easy.

Can Scouts earn awards for Leave No Trace?

Yes! Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturers all have opportunities to learn and practice Leave No Trace as part of advancement.

What should I do if I see someone not following Leave No Trace?

Set a good example by following the principles yourself. If it’s safe, kindly remind them of the rules. Sometimes people don’t realize they are causing harm.

Where can I learn more about Leave No Trace?

Visit the Leave No Trace website or check Scouting handbooks. Many parks and outdoor organizations also offer helpful information and resources.

Leave No Trace is important for protecting the environment. It helps keep nature clean and healthy for people and wildlife. When we follow its principles, we take care of the land, water, and animals. We also make sure outdoor spaces stay beautiful for future generations.

Every person has a role to play. Whether you are on a hike, camping with friends, or just walking in a park, your actions matter. Take responsibility for what you bring and leave behind. Stay on trails, pack out trash, and show respect for wildlife.

Groups like Scouts can lead the way. By learning and practicing Leave No Trace, you can set an example for others. Share what you know and encourage others to care for the environment. When you model these practices, people notice and follow your lead.

The outdoors needs heroes to protect it. By committing to Leave No Trace, you become a hero for nature. Together, we can keep the wild places we love safe and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.