“I’m just gonna toss that empty can into the fire pit”

“I’m just going to pee in that little creek.”

“I don’t have time to dig a hole. I’m just going to do what other animals do.”

“Paper will biodegrade.”

“I’m going to take a shortcut to avoid that switchback.”

How many times have you heard that? How many times have you thought about it? How many times has the little devil on your shoulder said, “go ahead, once won’t hurt.” Well, imagine everyone doing it just once, and you’ll quickly realize that’s a lot of little devils.

I’m that little angel on your other shoulder that’s saying “don’t do
it!” Memorial Day is behind us and summer is finally in full swing, which means people will be packing up their cars, campers, and backpacks and heading for some camping. And statistics show that more people will be camping, backpacking, hiking, and engaging in outdoor activities this year than ever!

As you head out on your adventure, please remember to follow the Leave
No Trace principles. Read this article, which pulls from NOLS’ LNT
program, and be a good steward of the wild places in which we all love to recreate.