I Didn't Know That!: Recreate Responsibly

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

While boating, floating, and fishing are wonderful ways to spend the afternoon, people can unknowingly introduce harmful aquatic hitchhikers that can hide in and on boats and equipment. But there’s a simple way to prevent the spread... clean, drain, dry.

Oh, look at that cute squirrel! He’s coming closer...giving him a little snack couldn’t hurt, right? Wrong. While a squirrel might look cute munching on our trail mix – feeding wild animals hurts them.

Why would I brush mud off my boots before hitting a dirt trail? Brushing you boots before a hike can help prevent the spread of invasive species.

What's reef friendly sun protection and how does it help protect the reef? Get some tips on how to protect yourself and the reef.