1. 1. Pack it in, pack it out. Picking up trash and disposing of waste properly helps keep our wildlands pristine. Trash harms birds and animals and pollutes lakes, streams, and oceans, so disposing of all trash properly not only helps ensure our wild places are clean, but also helps protect the wild animals that inhabit them. All of us can contribute by collecting bits of trash, like a rogue wrapper found along a trail and disposing of it properly at the end of a hike. Leaving behind uneaten things like banana peels and apple cores cumulatively adds up. Also, food scraps attract wild animals to human habitats which damages their health and alters their natural behaviors. So even biodegradables should be packed out. Keep in mind, Grand Teton National Park sends 2.5 million pounds of trash to a landfill over 100 miles away each year. We can help reduce that amount by recycling and using reusable containers instead of single-use ones.

2. 2. Tread lightly. Another way we can help preserve the precious wilderness is by limiting our mark upon the landscape. Sticking to established pathways makes sure that our footsteps leave as little impact on the fragile soil and ecosystems surrounding the trails as possible. Shortcutting and bushwhacking are detrimental because it causes erosion and tramples the surrounding plants leaving scars and disturbing valuable habitat. Treading lightly is putting one’s best foot forward, leaving very little evidence of ever having been there.

3. 3. ​“Take only memories, leave only footprints.” is a famous phrase and reminder from Chief Seattle, a Native American from the Duwamish Tribe in Washington. Following this principle helps keep ecosystems thriving. For example, when lush meadows are bursting with colorful wildflowers in summer, take only a photograph of the vibrant beauty instead of gathering a bouquet. Though it is tempting to pick a few wildflowers, they provide important seeds, nectar, and pollen that support pollinators, birds, and small animals. Not only does leaving flowers in place preserve food sources, it allows them to go to seed in the autumn which is essential for next year’s blossoms. Rocks too, support the ecosystem. Insects live underbeneath them, so it is important not to move or stack them. Leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts, and other objects in place provides continued opportunities for others to appreciate and discover untouched places

4. 4. Give wildlife space.Observing wildlife from a safe distance, honoring wildlife closures, and not feeding animals helps keep them wild. The wilderness is their home and is where they actively mate, nest, forage, and raise their young. It is enthralling to watch them in their natural habitats, and by respecting closure signs and wilderness boundaries and keeping at least 25 yards away from most wildlife and at least 100 yards away from big carnivores like bears and wolves helps keep everyone safe.

5. 5. Help prevent wildfires. Carefully decide whether it is safe to build a campfire or choose an alternative that mimics the glow and feel of a fire, serving as a focal point for gathering ​’round, but without hot flames and sparks. Since we rely on our forests for beauty, outdoor recreation, and raw materials, it is important to safeguard them. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, pans, or mound fires and always watch over the fire. Make sure it is completely out fully extinguished before leaving it — if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. Some ideas for campfire alternatives include a headlamp in an empty and dry clear Nalgene bottle, a candle lantern, or an inflatable solar lantern.

Recreating responsibly and incorporating a few sustainable practices into our wilderness travels helps us take care of the places we love to visit most.