Leave No Trace Principle 1: Plan Ahead and Prepare

Pack your bags and get ready for adventure! Here are some tips to help:

• Be prepared for the weather: It’s better to have extra layers and not need them than to need them and not have them. Planning ahead helps you anticipate the gear you’ll need for a fun and safe trip.

• Know before you go: Where are you going and what will you be doing? Use maps, guides, and online resources to plan your adventure. Some parks have special rules, so check those ahead of time. Who knows, you might even discover a new favorite spot!

• Bring a map and a backup so you don’t get lost: The more you know, the more fun you’ll have. Cell service can be spotty up here, so be sure to have a physical map of where you’re exploring. Visitor Centers like Travel Marquette offer maps and info to help you plan.

• Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll return: If you’re heading into the wilderness, leave your plans and campsite info with a trusted friend or family member.

Leave No Trace Principle 2: Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

While it may be tempting to explore new areas, it’s important that we stick to the places that are designed for our activities.

• Stay on main trails and only camp in designated areas. This helps protect plants and animals' homes.

• Use the buddy system when hiking, and if you see a muddy puddle, walk through it, not around it. Going around can damage plants and widen the trail.

• Before you visit, research the campsite or trail so you know what to expect.

• Wherever you are, stick to durable surfaces! These are spots where the ground or vegetation is able to withstand wear or remain stable.

Leave No Trace Principle 3: Dispose of Waste Properly

When you’re outside, it’s important to leave the area better than you found it. Bring a small trash bag so you can carry out your garbage.

• What do I do with my trash? Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter - including food that could normally be composted. Be aware that trash should never be burned.

• What if there’s no bathroom? Bring a small shovel. Walk 100 big steps away from trails, campsites, or water. Then, dig a hole 6-8 inches deep to go to the bathroom in. When you’re done, cover the hole and your toilet paper with dirt. By keeping your waste far from trails and water, you’re helping keep nature clean, safe, and fun for everyone.

Leave No Trace Principle 4: Leave What You Find

Whether you’re exploring the Iron Ore Heritage Trail or having a picnic at the pavilion, remember that nature is for everyone. We want to leave it as good or better than we found it.

Jackson Mine was the first mine created by European settlers in the Great Lakes Region. As you explore Jackson Mine Park, you’ll notice old items from the past. Some of what you see are historic artifacts. These objects tell stories about the past and are meant to stay in place. Leave what you find so others can enjoy and learn from it too.

Leave No Trace Principle 5: Minimize Campfire Impacts

Campfires are a fun part of being outside, but they need to be handled carefully and only done in places where permitted.

• Use a fire ring or fire pit: Most campsites have one ready to use. If you don’t see one, don’t build your own. Fires might not be allowed in that area for safety or environmental reasons.

• Have water nearby: Always have a bucket of water ready before you light your fire. You should have enough water to completely put out your fire when you’re finished.

• Get wood locally: Buy firewood near your campsite or collect dead and downed wood if it’s allowed. Firewood can only be moved within 10 miles of its origin because bugs and diseases can travel inside logs and harm local forests.

*Note that we chose this location to talk about fires because they are NOT permitted at this location.

Leave No Trace Principle 6: Respect Wildlife

Take a walk on the raised boardwalks at the Presque Isle Bog. If you’re quiet and patient, you may even see wildlife!

Nearby, the Moosewood Nature Center is a nonprofit that helps people learn about nature in the Upper Peninsula. If it’s open, you can stop in to see the amphibians and other displays or programs happening that day.

Watch animals from a distance and give them plenty of space.

Don’t feed wildlife or leave crumbs behind. Animals need to find their own food to stay healthy and wild.

Leave No Trace Principle 7: Share our Trails

Everyone enjoys nature in their own way, so it’s important to be kind and respectful on the trail.

• Smile and wave to people you pass.

• Be courteous by yielding to other users on the trail. If someone is walking uphill, let them go first.

  If you're on a bike, let people walking go first. Everyone lets horses and people in wheelchairs go first.

• Keep your voice down so everyone, including wildlife, can enjoy the peaceful setting.