Written by Tyson Baker
High-quality exploring is being able to fully enjoy the land while leaving it better for future generations to come. It is more than just a phrase, it’s a way of life. You may even say it’s a whole movement! Our mission as outdoor enthusiasts should be to promote respectful and responsible exploring in order to protect the complex, ever-changing, and ultimately priceless environment. This includes sharing the values and ethics of accountable traveling with newcomers.
I’m guilty! For many years I have done my best to preserve the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, but I was blinded to the real problem. I hated seeing large groups of sightseers and vacationers. I hated seeing all the trash piled up on the forest floor. I hated witnessing people feed the untamed bears—that over time seem to become tamer from all the tasty treats they’ve been fed. I hated the overcrowded trails and watching every other person stop to take a selfie. I would pass these people with a disapproving glare while they blared music from their Bluetooth speakers. I have since realized that this behavior and attitude does not help the problem or help calm the disturbance in my heart. I have also realized that it’s not about just leaving the world exactly as you found it, but actually leaving it better. With that shift in perspective, it has become my aim to educate rather than hate. My hope is to create a community of more like-minded individuals who are fully committed to the idea of high-quality exploring…because, really, who wants to be walking through the middle of the forest and stumble upon a bunch of trash and damaged terrain?
It has been over twenty years—twenty-three years and about twenty dozen camping/hiking trips to be exact —since I first stepped foot in the Sequoias. Boy, do I still recall the rush of that first trip! I remember being with my dad and brother and staring up at the towering Sequoia trees. As a kid, at the age of five, Sequoia tress were bigger than earth, seeming to stretch on for miles. I would try to wrap my arms around them, soon discovering how small I truly was in comparison. They still seem that big to me now, even though I’ve grown a few feet taller! It was on that camping trip that I fell in love with nature for the very first time. Year after year, I looked forward to summer—just to go camping.
Later on, in fifth grade, I joined The Boy Scouts of America and gained more outdoor skills. Every couple of months we would go on camping trips, so I always had something to look forward to. Camping quickly became a central part of my life, and I continued to take trips throughout high school. Even after graduating, I eagerly obtained my driver’s license and a car so I could start camping on my own across California. These years, spent immersing myself in the outdoors, has formed a strong adventure spirit in me. I think the memories I hold onto from my childhood, teen, and now adulthood years have sparked a desire in me to share the spectacular wonders of the great outdoors with others.
Ultimately, I try to be a good role model by leading by example. Lately, in order to do this, I’ve started throwing a small trash bag in my pack before I head out on an adventure. When I see any trash on the trail, I pick it up, put it in my trash bag, and make sure to carry it out with me when I leave. Doing this leaves the trail more pristine than before so the people that come after me will get to experience the open-air in all its wild, natural glory. It’s a simple act to make a difference, promoted by the idea that we have a responsibility to leave this land better than we found it. The world could learn a lot from the outdoor community when it comes to properly teaching new adventure go-getters. Pack out what you pack in; ethics of Leave No Trace.
After years of stiff lipping the newbie outdoor tourists, that didn’t seem to know what they were doing, I have started to take a new approach by bringing more people into the fold of high-quality exploring. I must say, it’s not easy to build a kind-hearted vibe that’s welcoming to all (there’s some people that make this task really difficult). However, I have found that simply being friendly, offering trail advice, and setting a good example can have a huge impact on the environment.
The single most important thing I’ve learned in life came from the Boy Scout’s Motto: Be Prepared. This motto expanded means that you are always ready to help others. You are prepared, willing, and able to do what is necessary in any situation. You are also prepared to live a full and worthwhile life by being physically fit and an honorable citizen of strong character. Years later, I’m reminded of this motto which has inspired me to be a respectful and responsible explorer and promote Leave No Trace. The ultimate goal is to journey the world into a better, higher-quality existence so we can share it with generations to come. Although the task is a big one, and the work is far from done, I hope to encourage others to make a difference. If you love visiting the outdoors, please join me in this community to build up more leaders and guide others in the right direction.
“Sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul.”
– Edward Abbey
Give Nature a Voice and Explore Responsibly
Adventuring is becoming progressively trendier every year, increasing the swift rush of visitors to National Parks and other far-off places around the world. While we can easily get lost in the venture-vibes and excitement of exploring, we need to remember to travel responsibly and respect all Leave No Trace ethics. This will help minimize the impact we leave on nature, teaching us to only leave behind footprints. Exploring nature has been shown to benefit both physical and mental health. Acknowledging these perks, we should want to respect the land’s value and significance so that future generations can enjoy the same landscapes. Leave No Trace was developed to educate people on how to enjoy the wilderness without destroying it, giving nature a voice!
7 Ethics of Leave No Trace
Be Prepared
- Before you begin your adventure, plan ahead and check weather conditions. Prepare and pack suitable equipment accordingly.
- Map out your route and tell people where you’re going. Don’t put yourself at risk and research ahead of time. Know the area you are about to embark on. Being prepared will help you avoid getting lost or roaming off the trail, which can cause a disturbance in natural and cultural resources.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Understand how traveling and camping can impact natural areas to avoiding damage to the landscapes and waterways.
- Please stay on the trail. This is not only for your own safety, but also the safety of wildlife and in respect to nature. Trail use is highly encouraged to reduce the scarring of surrounding terrain.
- Let nature be. Don’t trample over the vegetation just to take a shortcut or get a better view. Make a difference, one foot at a time.
- Remember to keep campsites in existing areas and away from any vegetation.
- Try to travel in small groups to keep the environmental impact to a minimum.
- Defend the ground you walk and camp on, it deserves a voice.
Dispose of Trash Properly
- If you pack it in with you, make sure to pack it out. This is so disappointing to fellow hikers and travelers who will eventually stumble upon your garbage. Consider the impact of the trash you leave behind and dispose of all trash properly.
- Try to not leave anything behind at a campsite, on the trail, or even at the trailhead. This ultimately will affect the next people exploring the area, as well as the nearby wildlife and waterways.
- Go the extra mile. Clean up after yourself. A handy tip is to bring a small trash bag with you to not only pick up your own trash, but also any trash that was left behind by others.
Leave What You Found
- Leave No Trace means leaving nature and trails exactly as they are—in their most natural state. Allow the next explorer a sense of discovery, giving them a glimpse of what it might be like to pioneer the land for the first time.
- If you come across what might be historic artifacts: please don’t remove them. You should, however, snap a picture and a gather a clear description of the location. Provide this information to a park ranger at a nearby ranger station so that an archaeologist can try to retrieve the item and preserve the artifact properly. Dismantling any artifacts on your own can cause additional, harmful impact to the area.
- Even if it is not a historical or cultural artifact, learn to leave things as you left them for the enjoyment of future explorers.
Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Sitting around a campfire, in the middle of the wilderness, with a few of your friends is a pretty wonderful feeling. Just remember to light fires responsibly. One wrong move can be devastating.
- Respect all fire warnings, they are there for a reason.
- If possible, refrain from lighting fires unless you’re at a campsite with a proper fire pit.
- When traveling to an area that is really hot and dry, use extra precaution. It would be best to use a stove in these weather conditions to follow the code of Leave No Trace.
Respect Wildlife
- Wild, furry animals can be so adorable, making it hard to refrain from keeping a safe distance, but it is crucial to observe from afar. Please don’t move in close to feed wild animals or take a picture of them. This is for your own safety and for the simple act of keeping wildlife wild.
- Don’t forget to secure food in tight containers or in nearby bear boxes—which can be found at most campsites and trailheads. We are visitors in their home. It is never good for wildlife to rely on humans as a source of food.
- Properly storing food and trash will also keep any unwanted wildlife away. This is best for you and for the wellbeing of wildlife.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- To ensure everyone has a good time exploring the wild wonders of nature, be courteous of others. Abide by this outdoor philosophy and respect other people nearby so they can enjoy their experience.
- To preserve the natural appeal of the outdoors: try to keep noise to a minimum, control pets and children, and don’t damage the land.
The smallest things—like picking up garbage or staying on the designated trail—can make a huge impression. Modest actions can allow others to appreciate nature at its best. The more we realize our influence and build up a community of committed, like-minded individuals, the greater influence we can have on preserving the wild. I believe in making a positive change for future generations. Nature does not have a voice. We must to do our part, as stewards of the land, to leave it in peak condition for everyone to enjoy.
Let’s explore in high-quality!
Tyson Baker, a California Central Valley native, is more than familiar with what the surrounding landscape has to offer. Tyson has traveled all across this glorious state, picking up nuggets of insight, culture, and what it means to have true grit. As a skilled Barista and Roaster for a local coffee shop, he enjoys slingin’ those espresso shots and bringing a cup of perfectly crafted caffeine-deliciousness to the town’s customers. Aside from coffee, he has a deep passion for writing and creating. His recent endeavor has been to share his writings and stories in hopes that they will inspire, harmonize, educate, and encourage those that read them. You can read more of his little musings on his Instagram page @tysun.baker.
On his days off, Tyson is likely out on some adventure—be it exploring the backcountry in the nearby Sequoia National Park, road-tripping with his buddies, or cruising through country roads, enjoying the uninhabited hillsides, until he reaches the coastline to hunt for coves and sea caves that are calling his name. Though not all adventures are on such a large scale. Sometimes adventures are found in the small things too: like cozying up with a good book that takes his mind away from reality for a bit, or sharing a laugh and a good meal with the people that matter most.
Whatever your adventure is, Tyson wants to tell you this: Don’t be afraid to get out there and experience something new. Explore. Create. Share. And love one another.