Off to the Grand Canyon: My Next Adventure with Leave No Trace
Hey, friends! Next week, I’m heading to the Grand Canyon, and I’m beyond excited. But this isn’t just a sightseeing trip—I’m going to get my Leave No Trace Master Educator certification. This has been on my bucket list for a while, and I can’t wait to dive in.
So, What’s Leave No Trace?
Here’s the scoop: Leave No Trace is all about respecting nature and making sure we don’t mess it up for everyone else. There are seven principles, and they’re all about enjoying the outdoors responsibly. You know, basics like planning ahead, staying on trails, packing out your trash, and keeping a respectful distance from wildlife. Simple stuff, but super impactful.
Plan Ahead and Prepare: Prep your trip to avoid surprises and minimize the damage you might cause without even realizing it.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to the trails and established campsites so we’re not trampling on delicate ecosystems.
Dispose of Waste Properly: Yep, this means all of it—trash, leftover food, even bathroom waste. Pack it out!
Leave What You Find: Take photos, not souvenirs. Let’s leave things as they are for others to enjoy.
Minimize Campfire Impact: Fires are fun, but they can cause serious damage. Be smart about where and when you have them—or skip them if you can.
Respect Wildlife: Keep your distance, and definitely don’t feed them. They’re cute, but they’ve got their own diets for a reason.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors: We’re all sharing these spaces, so let’s keep the noise down and be respectful.
These principles might sound simple, but they’re powerful. If we all follow them, we can help keep our favorite spots beautiful and wild.
Why the Grand Canyon?
Honestly, the Grand Canyon is a perfect place to learn about Leave No Trace. With millions of visitors each year, it’s easy to see how much impact we can have. And there’s just something about being in a place that big—it makes you realize how small we are and how important it is to protect these landscapes. Standing on the rim, looking out at that view, you really get a sense of what’s at stake.
Sharing What I Learn
Whenever I bring up Leave No Trace, I’m shocked by how many people don’t know about it. But that’s why I’m so pumped to do this certification. I want to learn as much as I can so I can share it with others. The more people who know, the better. It’s about changing habits, and every little bit helps.
And let’s be real—our favorite outdoor spots could use a little more love. I’ve seen too many beautiful places littered with trash or trampled down by careless visitors. It doesn’t have to be that way. With a little effort and awareness, we can all make a difference.
Some Fun Facts (Because Why Not?)
Did you know that it can take up to 25 years for an orange peel to decompose? Or that a single campfire can leave a scar on the ground that lasts for decades? Yep, those little things we think are harmless can actually have a huge impact. If more people knew, I bet they’d think twice before leaving trash behind or lighting a fire just anywhere.
What’s Next?
I’m hoping this certification will open up some new doors for me. I’d love to work with others who care about the outdoors as much as I do, and maybe even lead workshops or team up with schools. But most of all, I want to inspire others to see that we can all do our part to protect nature.
So, here’s to new adventures, doing some good, and hopefully leaving the Grand Canyon—and every place we go—a little better than we found it.