Series: I Didn't Know That! Leave No Trace

You've probably heard the term "Leave No Trace" before, but do you really know what it means? In this I Didn't Know That! mini-series, the National Park Service teams up with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to explore Leave No Trace and the 7 guiding Principles that help keep our outdoor spaces enjoyable for generations to come.

• Article 1: I Didn't Know That!: Leave No Trace

  

  You’ve probably heard the phrase Leave No Trace before. But what does it really mean? We've teamed up with Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to walk you through how to practice Leave No Trace to help keep our outdoor spaces beautiful for generations to come. Read more

• Article 2: I Didn't Know That!: Leave No Trace Principle #1 - Plan Ahead and Prepare

  

  Each park is unique in its environment and recreational activities. Planning is key to a safe, successful, and enjoyable park visit. Discover how to "Plan Like a Park Ranger" and embrace Leave No Trace Principle #1: Plan Ahead and Prepare. Read more

• Article 3: I Didn't Know That!: Leave No Trace Principle #2 - Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces

  

  You’ve seen it before. You’re walking along a trail or path, when all of a sudden - BAM - a mud puddle is taking up the entire width of it. What is the most Leave No Trace thing to do? Find out in this I Didn't Know That! article in collaboration with Leave No Trace. Read more

• Article 4: I Didn't Know That! Leave No Trace Principle #3 - Dispose of Waste Properly

  

  Nature's calling... now what?! Going to the bathroom outdoors doesn't have to be scary. In this I Didn't Know That! with Leave No Trace we explore how to dispose of waste properly. Read more

• Article 5: I Didn't Know That!: Leave No Trace Principle #4 - Leave What You Find

  

  The natural world is full of fascinating finds that awe us with their beauty and intrigue. From colorful rocks and seashells to artifacts, feathers, and fossils. While you may be tempted to bring these items home with you, please follow Leave No Trace Principle #4 and leave them where you find them. Find out why in this I Didn't Know That! article. Read more

• Article 6: I Didn't Know That! Leave No Trace Principle #5 - Minimize Campfire Impacts

  

  Having a campfire can be a fun part of an outdoor trips! But, with 80-90% of wildfires each year caused by humans, we all need to do our part to make sure every campfire is handled responsibly. Find out what you should do before, during, and after having a campfire to stay safe and minimize campfire impacts. Read more

• Article 7: I Didn't Know That!: Leave No Trace Principle #6 - Respect Wildlife

  

  Parks offer us the opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. Parks aren’t zoos! The wildlife can be unpredictable and dangerous if you get too close. Your safety, as well as the safety of wildlife, depends on good judgment and following safe wildlife viewing guidelines. Read more

• Article 8: I Didn't Know That!: Leave No Trace Principle #7 - Be Considerate of Others

  

  With over 300 million trips to parks each year, that is a lot of people sharing our public lands. We can all do our part to be considerate of others and share the trail to ensure everyone has the same opportunity to enjoy these places. Afterall, the outdoors are for everyone! Read more