The best way to start: travel mindfully on public land and really get to know and love it, says聽, a film producer working with聽 and on the聽 to spread this message. Here鈥檚 how you can help leave the places you visit even better than you found them.
Be Present and Engaged with Nature
Step one, says Kano, is聽 while outside. 鈥淟isten to the sounds around you, breathe in the new smells, notice the little plants and the big ones, get curious about the textures and colors of the sandstone. Pay attention to the light and learn from the things you鈥檙e experiencing.鈥� The more connected you are to the land, the more easily you鈥檒l organically find ways to protect it.
Respect Local Communities
Many small communities have been hit hard by the pandemic and don鈥檛 have the medical resources to devote to large numbers of travelers. Do your part by reading up on聽聽before your trip, limiting your exposure before and during travel, getting tested before arrival, and having a quarantine plan in place in case you get sick or exposed. Central to a quarantine plan is food: consider stocking up on a two-week supply of nonperishables, which you can donate to a local food pantry like the聽 if you don鈥檛 end up needing it.
Leave No Trace
If you鈥檙e new to traveling in the backcountry, you鈥檒l want to get familiar with the聽 philosophy. 鈥淚t鈥檚 incredibly important to pick up your trash and your human waste,鈥� says Kano. 鈥淭he desert environment does not decompose orange peels and apple cores, etc., because there is not enough moisture and humidity.鈥� If you鈥檙e unsure about trail etiquette, just pop into the nearest outdoor gear shop, like Moab鈥檚 beloved聽. More likely than not, the folks there鈥檒l be happy to steer you in the right direction.
Volunteer for a Trail Restoration or聽Cleanup Project
An easy way to leave trails better than you found them is to pack in a trash bag and a pair of gloves and pack out any trash you find along the way. But if you have more time to give and want to get involved in a bigger effort, Kano suggests checking out local conservation organizations like the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, which organizes frequent聽 on public lands like Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Always Stay on the Trail
Even if you鈥檙e not an influencer, you exert an influence. Set an example for your friends and family by staying on the trail, even when it means giving up on an incredible photo opportunity. Southern Utah is more fragile than you might think, especially where the ground is聽 that protect the landscape from erosion and die when trampled. The best way to preserve the nature around you is to stay on-trail, waltzing right through muddy puddles if need be.
Looking for more聽adventure intel?聽Head over to聽, our interactive and in-depth聽guide to getting off the beaten path in southern Utah.
The wild canyons and mountains of southern Utah have been around for over 2.6 billion years, and we want to protect them for a few billion more. Do your part by following our聽.