Conservation Tip: Leave No Trace

Conservation Tip: Leave No Trace

Five Rivers MetroParks is a partner with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics which teaches people of all ages how to enjoy the outdoors responsible and is the most widely used outdoor ethics program on public lands throughout the country. Leave No Trace is grounded in science and research and has been since its origins in the field of recreation ecology. Learn more about the science behind Leave No Trace here. 

If everyone follows the 7 simple Leave No Trace principles, we can ensure that all of our parks, waters, and lands remain places of wonder, inspiration and exploration for years to come.

1. Plan ahead and prepare. Know before you go! Check the weather and trail conditions before heading out. After a day of hiking or paddling, don't forget to clean your boots and your boat! Invasives may be trying to hitchhike their way into new ecosystems.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Only use established trails. Walk through muddy trail sections, not around them. It's best to walk single file on the trail, even when it's wet or muddy, because the surrounding vegetation and habitat will suffer if trampled, causing "trail widening". Please preserve our trails by choosing the muddy path.
3. Dispose of waste properly. Pack out your trash. Take out everything you bring into the parks or dispose of it properly in the designated park trash and recycling bins. This includes dog droppings. Better yet, give back by picking up litter every time you go hiking.
4. Leave what you find. This includes flowers, rocks and leaves. Disturbing these puts the lives of animals and plants at risk and ruins their habitat. Bring along a sketchbook or camera so you can remember an item without taking it. Better yet - join us for one of our Paint-A-Park programs and paint what you love about our parks!
5. Minimize campfire impacts. Know your local campfire and stove regulations. Fully extinguish any fires. Keep fires small or consider forgoing a campfire to enjoy the dark skies.
6. Respect wildlife. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times. Use proper food storage techniques and keep pets under control.
7. Be considerate of other visitors. Be quiet and respect those who seek serenity helps everyone enjoy the park.

Want to learn more? The winter season is a great time to learn new things and build new skills. Check out these skill-building videos from Leave No Trace.  

Volunteer Services

Volunteer Services is available if you have questions or need assistance in signing up. Contact us at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275.

Your Volunteer Services Team

Allie Zimmerman - Parks & Conservation # (937) 274-3176

Amanda Wheatley - Ambassador & Special Events, Interim Administration# (937) 275-7275

Yvonne Dunphe - Programming # (937) 277-4147

Jenny Hymans - Human Resources Manager of Volunteer Services, Interim: Animal Care & Animal Programming and Court Appointed Volunteer Service # (937) 567-1413