Be Considerate of Others Outdoors

Leave No Trace Friday!✨ (Save this post so everyday can be earth day!) This is the final principle to finish out this Leave No Trace series! This series will be saved as a guide on my page for you to reference whenever need be! The final principle: Be Considerate of Other People Maintaining courtesy towards others while outside has a huge impact on how everyone enjoys their time in nature. Most people enjoy the sounds nature provides so loads of noise, out of control pets, and destroyed surroundings really can hinder someone else’s experience. Technology is growing to help our time outside. Some people enjoy bringing music into the outdoors while others would rather hear birds chirping. Some people want to take photos of everything while others want to sit and take it all in. Everyone is different, however, we are all capable of being considerate of others. If you like to play music while you hike, use headphones instead of your Bluetooth speaker, but be sure to keep the volume low so you can hear people or things in nature around you. If you like to take photos, don’t invade someone else’s space for the shot or stand close enough that the shutter of your camera can disturb them enjoying the outdoors. When on trail, take note that those coming uphill have the right of way. If you’re going downhill find a durable surface to step aside and let them pass. Also note that hikers should step aside for equestrians or pack stock and bikers yield to everyone. Bright colored clothing and other outdoor gear are generally frowned upon in open natural areas. Make sure when setting up camp that you have chosen a spot with a visual barrier like trees, rocks, or bushes to keep your camp from disturbing someone else’s. And keep your pets leashed and under control. They are animals but they are not wildlife and can easily disturb someone else’s outdoor experience. And for goodness sake pick up their poo. A biodegradable bag does not mean you put their feces in the bag and leave the bag on the trail. It means it can biodegrade in a landfill. Leaving poo on trails can contaminate water sources in the runoff. What outdoor info would you like to hear about next?