8 Things We Can All Do to Enjoy and Preserve Our National Parks
It’s summertime! Folks will be out and about around the United States on road trips. Many will be enjoying our amazing, beautiful National Parks.
Most individuals who camp and hike share similar mindsets. We share an appreciation for nature and a love for adventure. We make every effort to sustain and even regenerate our environment. We are friendly and share a mutual respect.
Probably most outdoor lovers agree that every individual has the right to get outside and appreciate nature. However, we also realize that a record number of visitors to our National Parks strain the areas. After visiting so many parks, sometimes I think people just don’t know how or maybe they don’t care.
But these open spaces are important. We want them to be around for future generations to enjoy. Rangers do their best to inform visitors. Interpretive and informational signs are posted everywhere throughout most parks.
Still, many visitors pay no mind or do not care which is a shame. They complain about a lack of bathrooms, water fountains, and transportation inside the park. They fail to realize that these areas were meant to be kept wild. Many of them want a ‘Disneyland’ like experience. Those people should go elsewhere.
But for the rest, the people who really want the natural experience, there are things we can all do to make the parks and the trails a more enjoyable for ourselves and everyone else. Like most aspects of life, a little self-respect and mutual respect go a long way in this world, towards each other and towards our natural world. Here are 8 simple things I think would help:
1. Always bring your own water
This has to be the most important of all the rules and basically common sense. The body can live without water for 3 days and most people will not be hiking for that long but why punish yourself? Use common sense and bring liquids. Don’t expect there to be water fountains along the trail!
2. Bring snacks
Ever heard the rule of 3s? 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food. But again, if you are taking a hike, especially a longer one, it’s much more enjoyable to take a break in the shade and snack on trail mix, fruit, or even chips. Listen to the sounds around you and watch for wildlife while you enjoy a snack.
3. Stay on the right side of the trail
Since elementary school I was always told to walk to the right in the hall. In traffic we stay in the right lane if we are slower. Even at Disney World we were told to walk to the right so all the people could get through easier! The same applies on the trail, especially when crowded.
4. Give older people and children the right of way.
I have tremendous respect for someone who is in their 60s or beyond walking a difficult trail. It shows willpower and toughness. I can only hope that I am still doing the same at that age. And children, well, I think it’s obvious that they are not quite as capable and are not always considerate as adults. But they learn. Step aside or go around them. Have patience. And finally, let those who are faster (no matter what age) pass you. Simply step over to the side until they walk past.
5. Don’t shit on the trail
I think it’s kind of cool to try and figure out what type of scat I see on the ground. A horse is usually obvious but deer, elk or even bear are less frequent. Remember, this is their habitat, their house. They can go wherever they want. But human scat? We all have to go, but the rule is 100 feet from the trail and at least 100 feet from a water source. Pets should follow the same rules or at least bring something to pick up after them!
6. Don’t feed the animals
In many parks it is illegal to feed the animals. Why? First of all, it can be dangerous. Those cute little squirrels carry diseases. Bambi as an adult can jab you with his antlers. Unlikely, but possible. But then again, let Darwinism do its work.
A ranger once told me that the only death he had witnessed from a wild animal was when a couple was trying to take a selfie with their child and a deer. The deer killed the child. Our food is unhealthy for them anyway, and when we feed them, they often become dependent on us.
7. Get out of the main areas
I listen to rangers. In fact, I have never met one that isn’t polite. Another ranger told me that only 5% of visitors get out of the main areas and onto the real trails. They drive along the main roads and stop at the vistas and such. If you are one of those 5% who get into the heart of the parks, you know how rewarding hiking the real trails can be. If you are one of the 95%, get your ass out and explore!
8. Pack in Pack out
At the Grand Canyon I was amazed at how much trash I saw lying around. Whatever you take into the backcountry (or anywhere into the park) bring it back out. Throw it away. Why trash such a beautiful area? Sure, accidents happen, but bring a plastic bag or something to put your trash in and carry it out.
These simple steps make everyone’s travels more enjoyable, help protect the parks, and encourage mutual respect. Let’s do our best to make it happen. Have a great summer!
