Learning Leave No Trace Through Practice

All last week, the weather forecast threatened rain for the Steward program's backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail. Learning and practicing Leave No Trace would be challenging in rainy conditions but making it more important for us to conquer that challenge. Rain increases human's impact on nature, particularly when traveling and camping on durable surfaces. Vegetation are more vulnerable. Overall, planning ahead and preparing is even more important when backpacking in the rain to lessen one's impact and to be safe and comfortable on the trail. Rain does pose challenges but it's not impossible to minimize one's impact on the land. Fortunately, the forecast became promising by Friday and the group only had to contend with some sprinkles Saturday morning. Relief.
Thursday before the trip, the students brainstormed and discussed ways to plan ahead and prepare, including repackaging all the food to minimize waste (we hiked out with about a pound of waste). Saturday morning, the group met outside Northwood High School to carpool to the AT trail head. On a cool, crisp, overcast early morning, the group strapped their packs on and head the 2.5 miles to Annapolis Rocks. We arrived within an hour and began a discussion about camping on durable surfaces. We pitched our tents on existing sites on compact dirt. By then our stromachs were grumbling, we sat down to eat and talk about disposing of trash and human waste; always a great lunch topic. Each student received a WAG bag for a future trip, not having to use them this time around because there were composting privies. By mid afternoon, the sun was peaking through the clouds and we headed down the AT to amazing Black Rocks. Some took in the views and hung out and others scrambled on the rocks. We used a teachable moment for Courtney to educate us about minimizing campfire impacts. We sat next to a homemade fire pit with a neighboring charred tree to learn how campfires impact nature and its alternatives. The sun was beginning to set and the temperature dropped as we hurried back down the trail to our campsite for a burrito dinner and a conversation about land ethics, plus a pseudo campfire, conversation, and stories. The chill beckoned us to our warm sleeping bags where we didn't want to leave upon sunrise. As the sun began streaming through the trees, some were patient for a wonderful, strong cup of coffee while a 43 degree temperature made for impatience in others. We went without the earlier decided upon pancakes and opted for the easy bagels and cream cheese to quickly break camp and finish the last three principles before hiking back to the trail head. We situated ourselves on a rock ledge overlooking the western valley to learn about leave what you find from Kady, travel on durable surfaces from James, and be considerate of others from Erol. Every year, the camping trip is a highlight for both students and teachers because we bond together as class, depending on and learning from each other.