Learn to Leave No Trace
When we are out in nature, it’s important that our actions keep the environment a beautiful place for both people and wildlife. We want to “Leave No Trace” - in other words, leave nature the way it was before we got there, as if we were never there in the first place! Practicing “Leave No Trace” is a great way to be a Friend to the Fraser.
There are lots of different ways we can have an impact on nature, while out exploring – even if we don’t realize it!
Take a look at the scene below. In this picture, there are five different examples of people who can choose to “Leave No Trace” while enjoying their day outside. Can you spot all five examples? When you spot something, click to learn more!
We are responsible for taking care of our environment. When we visit nature, we can help take care of it by leaving it the way it was before we got there!
Even though we love bringing our four-legged friends with us when we are exploring nature, what they leave behind can be smelly and gross for other people on the trail. Dog poop can also be harmful for wildlife, as it carries germs that can make wild animals sick.
Leave it there – it’s natural, right?
Pick up your dog’s poop and throw it away.
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Always pick up after your pets, and remember to keep them on a leash so that they can also safely enjoy their day out in nature!
We like to explore when we are outdoors. But when we go off the paths or trails, we can damage the plants that grow there. How can this person practice “Leave No Trace” and be a better Friend to the Fraser?
Carefully return to the trail.
Keep going, since the plants over here are pretty small.
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Even smaller plants can play a big role in the ecosystem, and we want to make sure they stay healthy. That's why it’s best to stay on marked trails.
It can be tempting to want to bring home a souvenir from your trip out in nature. Rocks, plants, and other objects found in nature are beautiful to look at—but, they are also important resources for wildlife. Even sticks and fallen leaves are used by animals as food and shelter! How can this person practice “Leave No Trace” and be a better Friend to the Fraser?
Only pick 1 or 2 flowers
Take a photo or draw a picture of the flowers, but don’t pick them.
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It’s important that we leave things where we find them. Taking photos or drawing pictures is a great way to remember what you saw, without disrupting the ecosystem.
Litter is garbage that has been left behind and forgotten. It’s not only ugly to look at, it can also be harmful to the environment and to wildlife. Even small things, like orange peels or candy wrappers, can be harmful to animals. How can this family practice “Leave No Trace” and be a better Friend to the Fraser?
Keep their trash contained and make sure it’s disposed of correctly at the end of the picnic.
Leave it there, the wind will blow it away.
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Always “pack out” whatever you bring with you, when out enjoying nature. To be an even better Friend to the Fraser, choose reusable bottles and containers for your snacks!
It can be exciting when we see animals out in nature! If you spot an animal nearby, it is best to observe it quietly from a safe distance. Never try to touch, feed, or pick up a wild animal. Animals who get too comfortable around people, or who think people may give them food, can become dangerous. How can this person practice “Leave No Trace” and be a better Friend to the Fraser?
Step back to watch and enjoy the rabbit from a safe distance.
Keep sharing the food – the rabbit seems hungry and really wants some!
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Even though animals may be interested in your food, it’s important that you do not feed them. Keep wildlife wild!
