Leave No Trace

Fall trails look forgiving. Cooler ground, fewer crowds, soft light. But recovery slows down as temperatures drop, so damage from off-trail travel or new social trails sticks around into spring. What you do this month has more staying power than it looks like.

You don't need a permit, a group, or a plan. Next time you're out and you see something that shouldn't be there, pick it up. That's it. That's the whole system.

Hey Friends, our Fire Safety Guide is now available for your educational entertainment. Comment "FIRE" to get a link to download it.

While having a fire outdoors can be a treat, it can also be a hazard.

Here are some tips to keep you safe:

🔥Keep your fires small, and always contain them to a fire pit. The more defined, the better!
🔥Watch out for dry grass, leaves, loose trash, or anything close to the fire pit that could catch flames. Unexpected gusts of wind can easily carry sparks and flames out of the pit.
🔥When you’re done, put out the fire by dousing it with water and separating the coals and embers. Make sure nothing looks lit, and that there’s no heat coming off the fire. It might take longer than you expect, but it’s better to wait than get some unexpected heat when you’re not looking!
🔥It’s sometimes best to avoid fires altogether; if all you need is light or warmth, a lightweight stove or electric lantern can do the trick.

One person picking up trash is good. A group doing it together is how it actually adds up fast. Find a local cleanup, bring a friend, or start your own. Stewardship gets easier — and more fun — when you're not doing it alone.

We’re teaming up with Leave No Trace to show the outdoors and our community some love and you’re invited! 🍏🌳Join us in Mills River, NC on Saturday, October 3, from 9 AM–2 PM for a family-friendly day of service, learning and c***r. We’ll start the morning with volunteer projects alongside Leave No Trace and Henderson County Parks, then head to the Bold Rock Mills River taproom for lunch and an interactive Leave No Trace workshop.

Lunch and a complimentary c***r (21+) will be provided by Bold Rock.

Please have each friend or family member joining you register through the link below:
https://ow.ly/kTWG50ZOU1N

It's the first day of fall! 🍁🍂 That means gorgeous shades of red, orange, and yellow are just around the corner. 👀

Save this guide to fall foliage when you are out leaf peeping, or even better, plant a tree so you can enjoy vibrant autumn colors for years to come. 🌳

Know the 7 Principles? Most people can name a couple, and fewer know how to actually apply.

That's the gap our new Skills Course fills. It goes beyond our 101 course into real decisions: reading durable surfaces, storing food securely, and planning a trip that actually holds up outdoors.

Self-paced online or an 8-hour in-person session — pick what fits your schedule. Free for individual supporters.

Enroll today: https://zurl.co/m9XXC

The trail you're on today is what someone else sees tomorrow. What you do with your trash, your noise, your group size — that's what they walk into. Stewardship isn't about fixing what's broken. It's about not breaking it in the first place.