My BIG Alberta Backyard – Leave No Trace

By Sara Lorenz

Alberta is a great place to live. It’s a big, beautiful province full of all kinds of natural wonders. In My Big Alberta Backyard, we introduce you to the unique and interesting wild spaces that you can find in your province, and the diverse wildlife that live there. This time, let’s learn how to leave no trace when spending time in nature. 

The “Leave No Trace” Principle

A principle is a rule or set of rules to guide our behaviour. Following a few simple steps helps preserve and protect plants, animals, and ecosystems. By making an effort to leave no trace, we can make sure that everyone who visits nature after us can have the same incredible experience we did for years to come. The principle of leaving no trace means making sure that the nature spot we visited looks exactly like — or maybe even better than — the way we found it. Let’s learn a few key rules! 

Take Only Photos and Memories…

Every leaf, flower, and pebble — no matter how big or small — plays an important part in an ecosystem. A simple action like stacking rocks or pocketing one as a souvenir can have bigger consequences than we can imagine! For example, a flower that we pick could be very important for pollinators like bees, or a stone that we remove might be necessary for insects and bacteria who live under it. Even a small seed that grows into a plant in one area could be harmful to another area where it doesn’t thrive naturally.

However, taking a photograph to remember the beautiful spot you visited has only positive effects! Photographs are a great way to share your love of nature and motivate others to explore Alberta’s Big Backyard. You might even inspire another nature lover to learn how to leave no trace! And of course, you can never make too many memories. 

…Leave Nothing but Footprints

Just as we should aim not to remove anything from a natural space, it’s extremely important not to leave anything behind. When it’s time to go home after a nature walk, hike, camping trip, or any other outdoor excursion, make a careful sweep of the spot you enjoyed. Make sure that you haven’t forgotten anything, like a piece of camping gear or any garbage. 

When you go hiking, be prepared to pack out anything you bring in. Zip any garbage up in your pockets and bring reusable sandwich bags to store remnants of sticky snacks. For instance, although apple trees are natural, apples might not be a normal snack for the animals in the area where you’re hiking, and apple trees probably don’t grow along the path. So be sure to throw that sticky core out in the garbage at the trailhead at the end of your hike. If you can’t find any designated trash bins, then that core can make the trip home with you!

Be Considerate 

By leaving no trace, we can help ensure that Alberta will always remain a beautiful space to visit. Plus, following the Leave No Trace Principle means that you’re showing consideration — thoughtfulness and care — not just for nature, but for each person who visits after you, so that everyone has a chance to experience the incredible beauty to be found in Alberta’s Big Backyard.  

Sara Lorenz is an editor who loves to explore Alberta’s natural landscapes. Sara feels most at peace in Alberta’s wild places and has been passionate about camping and hiking in our parks since childhood.