- Grade Level:
- Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
- Subject:
- Science
For this activity you will explore the Carl Sandburg Home NHS while also earning your Eco Trekker badge. You can do this by learning how to minimize your impact on our National Parks to help preserve and protect them for future generations.
STEPS:
- Learn how to make minimal impact on a trek.
- Plan an eco-trek with a purpose.
- Practice an eco-skill on your trek.
- Make a difference on your eco trek.
- Make a difference after your eco trek.
Choices-Do one:
- Watch this 10-minute video from The National Park Service about the Seven Leave No Trace principles. You will learn what the seven steps are and why they are important to its mission.
- Take the Leave No Trace online awareness course. This 30-60-minute course will teach you how to properly practice these principles when out in nature. You will be able to print a certificate when you complete the course.
- Plan ahead and prepare! As one of the seven Leave No Trace principles, it stresses the importance of knowing the regulations and special concerns for the area you are visiting. Make sure to prepare for the weather and any potential hazards you may encounter. Do some research about the park to see what you might need to pack before visiting.
- Comic frame! Create your own comic strip frame for each of the seven leave no trace principles.
Choices-Do one:
- Watch this 5-minute video on how the National Park Service manages invasive species. Then read this quick article about how Carl Sandburg Home NHS is also struggling with the Hemlock woolly adelgid beetle. Trek out to the park to locate some of our Hemlock trees. How do the trees look? Brainstorm ways to spread the message of the dangers of the beetle and how to stop the spread.
- Identify durable surfaces. The National Park Service defines durable surfaces as maintained trails, designated campsites, rock, gravel, sand or dry grasses. Make sure to stay on the designated trail when exploring the park to avoid creating multiple paths or “Social trails” that can lead to damage of the ecosystem. Grab a park map or print one off at home before beginning your hike and mark areas where you think the trail is compromised.
Choices-Do one:
- Leave what you find! Part of this Leave No Trace principle involves avoiding introducing or transporting non-native species. Read stop the spread from the National Park Service to learn how to properly avoid doing so. Early detection and rapid response rely heavily on educating visitors, neighbors, and employees about the dangers of potential invaders. While practicing these steps on your hike, brainstorm ways to teach others about the importance of education on this issue.
- Dispose of waste properly! Have you ever gone to your local park and seen trash littered on the ground? Part of the Leave No Trace principle involves working together to keep our parks clean. Pack it in, pack it out! Collaborate with your fellow girl scouts, friends and community to work together to keep our parks including Carl Sandburg Home NHS Clean. Using gloves pick up trash you find along your trek while brainstorming ways to get others involved.
Choices-Do one:
- Make an awareness campaign! Pick a topic that you learned about while completing this badge. Create a flyer, write a blog or newsletter to share your newfound knowledge with friends, family and classmates.
- Make a short documentary while on your trek. Put together a video from your trek while also discussing the eco-skill your practiced and the difference you hope to make. Share the video with fellow scouts, friends, and family afterword!
Tags: girl scouts
Last updated: March 11, 2021