A new Conservancy partnership
We are pleased to announce that we have become an official Community Partner with Leave No Trace, the international organization that teaches best practice principles for responsible recreation in nature. With this new partnership, we will be aligning with their 7 Principle framework for minimizing impact in our natural areas and sharing guidelines with our community.
You will begin to see these principles shared in our social media and communications, on our natural area kiosks, in new natural area guides, and by our team. These ideas are not a new approach to the way we manage properties, but a new way to talk about it with supporters and visitors. Leave No Trace shares a message of empowerment; how we can all be part of the solution in sustainable outdoor recreation.
Our team includes two Leave No Trace Certified Trainers, Executive Administrator Stacie Longwell Sadowski and Volunteer Docent Gloria Garrett. For more information on Leave No Trace in the Leelanau Conservancy Natural Areas, contact Stacie at [email protected].
The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace
- KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Be prepared! Remember food and water, and clothes to protect you from cold, heat, and rain.
- Use maps to plan where you’re going. Check them along the way so you’ll stay on course and won’t get lost.
- Take a photo of the natural area map at the trailhead kiosk for use during your visit.
- Cell phone reception can vary, so let someone know where you are going.
- Learn about the areas you plan to visit. Read books, check our website, and talk to people before you go. The more you know, the more fun you’ll have.
2. STICK TO TRAILS
- Walk and ride on designated trails to protect trailside plants.
- Do not step on flowers or small trees. Once damaged, they may not grow back.
- Respect private property by staying on designated trails.
- Overnight camping and overnight parking are not allowed at Leelanau Conservancy natural areas.
3. STASH YOUR TRASH AND PICK UP POOP
- Pack it in, Pack it out. Dispose of litter–even crumbs, peels, and cores—in garbage bags and carry it home. Trash cans are not available at Leelanau Conservancy natural areas.
- Portable toilets are available at Palmer Woods Forest Reserve and DeYoung Natural Area only. Use bathrooms or outhouses when available. If not available, bury human waste in a small hole 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet or 70 big steps from water.
- Use a plastic bag to pack out your pet’s poop to a garbage can offsite.
- Keep water clean. Do not put soap, food, or human or pet waste in lakes or streams.
4. LEAVE IT AS YOU FIND IT
- Leave plants, rocks, and historical items as you find them so others can enjoy them.
- Treat living plants with respect. Carving, hacking, or peeling plants may kill them.
5. BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE
- Use a camp stove for cooking. Stoves are easier to cook on and create less impact than a fire. (Note: visitors are not allowed to build fires on Conservancy lands)
- Portable fire pits are occasionally used under the supervision of staff for special events only.
6. KEEP WILDLIFE WILD
- Observe wildlife from a distance and never approach, feed, or follow them.
- Human food is unhealthy for all wildlife and feeding them starts bad habits.
- Protect wildlife and your food by securely storing your meals and trash.
7. SHARE OUR TRAILS AND MANAGE YOUR PET
- Be considerate when passing others on the trail.
- Keep your pet under control to protect it, other visitors, and wildlife. Michigan Law requires dogs to be leashed when in public.
- Listen to nature. Avoid making loud noises or yelling. You will see more wildlife if you are quiet.
- Be sure the fun you have outdoors does not bother anyone else. Remember, other visitors are there to enjoy the outdoors too.
