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Yucca Valley, CA: The first day of winter is officially December 21, but for many parts of the country winter is already here. The cold weather and wet or snowy conditions should not stop anyone from enjoying the great outdoors. Here at Leave No Trace our Traveling Trainers camp over 250 nights a year and the winter does not stop them, so do not let it stop you. Here are five easy steps to staying warm! Step 1. Check the weather! This is something that we always encourage no matter what the season, but it is especially important when the temperatures can drop dramatically. Once you know...

Monroe, LA: Did you know that the last week of October is Bat Week? We were in the Daniel Boone National Forest where the Red River Gorge is located this year and they were celebrating by building bat houses. The sixth Leave No Trace principle is to Respect Wildlife . When we talk about respecting wildlife we encourage: Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely. Control...

Slade, KY: Seeing wildlife is one of the pleasures of the great outdoors. We must remember that when we see wildlife we are visitors in their home. It is important to respect wildlife. Principle 6 teaches us a few things about treating wild animals with respect and here are some of those tips: Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely. Control pets at all times, or...

Boone, NC: It can be hard to Leave What You Find sometimes. When we enjoy the outdoors sometimes we find cool stuff. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics recommends that it is best for nature and for future generations if we leave the cool things that we find where we found them. One thing that is easy to leave what you find is invasive species. Invasive species are plants, animals, or pathogens that are non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm. There are many of these around the country and for more...

Nashville, TN: Do you know how to dispose of your human waste when in the outdoors? Here are the general guidelines on how to dispose of waste properly when in the outdoors: Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter. Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use...

La Crosse, WI: Do you know what a durable surface is, or why durable surfaces are an important factor to enjoying the outdoors? WHAT IS A DURABLE SURFACE? Durability refers to the ability of surfaces or vegetation to withstand wear or remain in a stable conditions. SURFACES: Rock, sand and gravel: These surfaces are highly durable and can tolerate repeated trampling and scuffing. Ice and snow: The effect of travel across these surfaces is temporary, making them good choices for travel assuming good safety precautions are followed and the snow layer is of...

Des Moines, IA: Do you love to get out on the water and enjoy the outdoors? We do! Here is how to incorporate the Leave No Trace Seven Principles while on your next paddling trip. Check out the science behind the Seven Principles to see why we recommend the tips in the video. Travel Well, Amanda and Greg - Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Team East Central Leave No Trace’s Amanda Neiman and Greg Smith are part of the 2016 Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Program that provides free, mobile education to communities across the country. Proud partners of this program...

Bar Harbor, ME: Acadia National Park was nominated for a 2016 Hot Spot, these are public areas that are in danger of being loved to death by recreation. As more and more people are going to visit Acadia National Park it is imperative that we, as visitors, are educated and understand how we can protect the park during our visit. Check out some of the great people we worked with during the Acadia National Park Hot Spot, in our Trainer Course blog . Adventure on, and Leave No Trace! Steph and Andy – Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Team East Leave No Trace’s Steph Whatton and Andy...

Ocala, FL: Heading out on a trail ride? Check out these Leave No Trace tips before heading out on your adventure! Plan Ahead and Prepare : check with land managers, local bike shops, local cycling groups and www.mtbproject.com for the most up-to-date trail information. Stick to the Trail : for biking, durable surfaces include established trails, authorized slick rock areas, dirt roads, and pavement. Check local regulations to see if off-road travel by bike is allowed. Dispose of Waste Properly : Use restroom facilities before hitting the...

Sedona, AZ: Desert Travel 101: Don't bust the crust! When traveling off trail in a desert environment in the American southwest you will likely encounter Cryptobiotic soil, or " desert glue ". DO NOT Step on it! Here's why: This fragile living biological soil takes decades to form, yet can be killed with one footprint. I f crushed it can contribute to spring runoff beginning as much as 50 days sooner than usual. Cryptobiotic soil also holds the desert floor in place reducing erosion, fixes nitrogen to plants and has the ability to intercept and store water . It can be identified by it's...