More than 47 million Americans head out on the hiking trails every year. If you are one of those, you have the responsibility to do what you can to preserve nature and do what you can to keep the great outdoors looking their best for the creatures who live there as well as the future visitors. Here are some of the best tips for how to preserve nature while hiking:
- While stepping off the trail may seem insignificant, it can do major damage. When you step off the trail, you damage plants. Others will come along and follow suit, and then, before you know it, the trail has widened and there are switchbacks throughout the forest. This contributes to erosion and trail washouts.
- Take along your own water, so you can stay hydrated. Be sure to take this water in a reusable, high-quality, BPA-free water bottle. Plastic water bottles are recyclable, but most of them are finding their way into oceans and landfills. Do not contribute to the problem.
- Choose your hiking gear and clothing wisely. When you are purchasing new clothing and gear, buy environmentally friendly brands that are known for being durable and high quality.
- After a hike, you should wash your clothing, your gear, and yourself. You can easily transfer seeds into an area where the plants are not native, or you could carry disease, fungi, or bacteria into another area where they could cause major damage.
- Do not take anything except photos and memories. You should not dig up plants, take rocks, or remove anything else from where you find it.
- If you build a campfire along the trail, be sure to make sure it stays small and keep it controlled. It should be on a bed of ash or dirt and make sure it has a rock border. When you are finished, make sure you fully extinguish the blaze. Be sure to check the county you are in for required permits or burn bans. You can request an online burn permit for your property or find the appropriate person to call here.
- If you are camping in the backcountry, use an established campsite. Setting up your tent on a grassy area could cause long-term damage.
- If you have trash, be sure to take it with you and dispose of properly. If you find trash that others have left behind, you should make sure you pick it up and take it to a trash receptacle at the end of the trail.
- Buy local ingredients and mix up your own snacks, such as granola or trail mix. Carry your snacks in reusable containers. This will reduce waste, cut down on travel and fuel, cut down on costs, reduce packaging, and ensure a healthier, natural treat.
- If you are traveling a considerable distance to a hiking trail, carpool with friends and fellow hikers to cut down on the carbon footprint.
If you plan ahead, you can do your most to preserve nature
while hiking. And when you’re out hiking, keep in mind doing your best to
preserve the ecosystem around any rivers. As the water is vital to the wildlife
and humans of that area. Tune in next time for tips for preserving the
ecosystem around rivers when hiking.
This article was provided Eric Minghella, Esq., of Personal Injury Help, www.personalinjury-law.com, an organization dedicated to providing the public with information about personal injury and safety information. No endorsement is intended. The article is for general information only, and nothing in this article should be construed as legal or professional advice. Guest bloggers’ views are their own.