July is Protect Our Parks Month at Leave No Trace, highlighting the vital role parks play in communities and encouraging people to enjoy and protect these spaces. You can contribute by deepening your knowledge of Leave No Trace, advocating for the protection of public lands, and participating in in-person clean-ups and park stewardship events.
Here’s how:
1) Try the Leave No Trace 101 Online Class: This free, easily accessible introduction to Leave No Trace provides a thorough overview of the skills for protecting parks and natural areas, along with a framework for implementing minimum-impact practices while spending time outdoors.
2) Stay Informed and Speak Up for Parks: When the U.S. Congress recently considered selling off public lands, thousands of you lent your voices to our efforts to tell decision-makers that their constituents want public lands to remain public. This work is far from completed, so be sure to subscribe to our newsletters and alerts so you’ll always be ready to act.
3) Join a Spotlights Visit or Find a Local Clean-up: Spotlights energize local Leave No Trace efforts by rallying communities, connecting partners, and inspiring continued action. This free program provides opportunities for Leave No Trace training, outreach, and volunteer stewardship. If you can’t find one of our events near you, try contacting your local parks department or national organizations like Keep America Beautiful.
Bonus video tip! If you’re lucky enough to encounter wildlife in a park, don’t forget to use the thumb trick to ensure you maintain a safe viewing distance.