At Adventure Outings, we love our natural lands and want to be able to enjoy them for many years to come. One way we help to keep our Earth healthy, is by practicing the seven principles of Leave No Trace, or LNT. These few steps help to minimize our impact, while we're exploring the beauty of California and beyond! Below are some hand movements and explanations to help you remember, and practice, the 7 principles of LNT on your own!
1. Think Ahead and Be Prepared
Know the area you will be visiting, are there any special rules or conditions you should know about? Repackage food to minimize waste during a trip.
You can remember this by using ONE finger to point to your head to represent planning ahead!
2. Walk on Durable Surfaces
This includes established trails, rocks, gravel, dry grass, and snow.
You can remember this by using TWO fingers to represent walking, on your other hand!
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack it in, pack it out. Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, 200 feet away from water!
You can remember this by using THREE fingers to represent digging a proper cathole!
4. Leave What You Find
Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. Take only memories and pictures.
You can remember this by using FOUR fingers to represent stopping yourself from taking that really cool rock you just found!
5. Minimize Campfire Impact
Use established fire rings and keep fires small. Make sure to completely douse fire before leaving the site, or falling asleep.
You can remember this by placing FIVE fingers representing fire in your other hand representing a safe fire ring.
6. Respect Wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance, and never feed wild animals! Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely. Keep pets under control and away from wildlife.
You can remember this by using SIX fingers total, five to represent a wild animal and one to represent you petting/respecting the animal.
7. Be Considerate to Other Visitors
We all go outside for different reasons, some go to meet fellow outdoor enthusiast and others go out to gain solace in nature. Whatever your reason may be respect other visitors. Step aside for other hikers. Keep your voice low and let the sounds of nature take over.
You can remember this by using SEVEN fingers total, five to wave and the other two to throw up a peace sign!
I hope these seven hand movements help you to remember the 7 Principles of LNT. This way we can continue to protect our Earth and maximize our enjoyment of our beautiful natural lands!