We had to celebrate April Fools! 

Don't worry!!! We have no intention of going out and picking all the wildflowers. In fact, we want to take a moment to educate everyone on the idea of "Leave No Trace!"

"Leave No Trace" is a philosophy and set of outdoor principles that promote responsible and sustainable recreation. It emphasizes leaving natural areas as pristine as possible by minimizing human impact, including practices such as packing out all trash, minimizing campfire impacts, respecting wildlife, and staying on designated trails to preserve ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.

It is a set of principles aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of outdoor activities. Here's a quick summary of each point:

1. Plan ahead and prepare: This involves researching the area you're visiting, understanding its regulations, weather conditions, and bringing the necessary supplies to minimize waste and damage.

2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces: Stay on designated trails and campsites to prevent soil erosion and damage to vegetation.

3. Dispose of waste properly: Pack out all trash and waste, including biodegradable items like food scraps and toilet paper. Leave the environment as you found it, or even cleaner.

4. Leave what you find: Avoid disturbing natural features, plants, and artifacts. Leave rocks, flowers, and other natural objects as you found them for others to enjoy.

5. Minimize campfire impacts: Follow regulations regarding campfires, use established fire rings if available, and properly extinguish fires to prevent wildfires and damage to the environment.

6. Respect wildlife: Observe animals from a distance, do not feed them, and avoid behaviors that may disrupt their natural behavior or habitat.

7. Be considerate of other visitors: Respect other outdoor enthusiasts by keeping noise levels down, yielding the trail, and maintaining a friendly and cooperative attitude.

Why would picking wildflowers go against the "Leave No Trace?" 

In many places, gathering flowers is outright illegal, a measure put in place to safeguard our natural resources. Imagine if every hiker plucked a handful of wildflowers – how quickly would they vanish? Likely, very fast. Preserving the environment as we discover it allows everyone a chance to relish its beauty. Wildflowers serve as vital resources for bees, offering sustenance in the form of nectar and pollen, as well as havens for shelter and repose. Protecting these blossoms is equal to safeguarding wildlife, particularly bees. Though it may be tempting to dash through a picturesque hillside adorned with golden poppies, should we "do it for the gram?" Absolutely not! Not only does trampling flowers occur, but it also inadvertently forges new "social trails." Subsequent visitors might assume these paths are permissible, leading to the creation of additional trails. Unfortunately, this can result in vegetation damage, potentially disrupting delicate ecosystems and triggering significant erosion issues. Park personnel meticulously design and maintain trails for our use, and we should respect them accordingly. Another prevalent concern is litter. While it's comforting to believe that trail debris is accidental, its presence remains a blight. Nobody wishes to encounter litter amidst the splendor of a wildflower-strewn field or any other natural setting. We strongly encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the beauty of nature, but please recreate responsibly, adhere to Leave No Trace. Lead by example so that others will quite literally follow in your footsteps.

Check out our real list of events. We respect nature, and have great time doing it! See you at the next hike/campout/kayak!!