Hey adventurous women,
When you venture with Women Embrace Adventure (WEA), you're not just exploring; you're embarking on a journey guided by our commitment to your safety and the preservation of our natural wonders. From researching trails to carrying essential gear like first aid kits and PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons), we've got your back every step of the way.
While most of us are familiar with the Leave No Trace principles, let's take a moment to refresh our memories and deepen our commitment to preserving the beauty of nature for generations to come. Each of our actions, no matter how small, plays a significant role in this collective effort.
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Before our next adventure, we make sure we're fully prepared. We research our destination, pack essentials, and equip ourselves with the knowledge we need to make responsible decisions along the way.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: As we explore, let's stick to designated trails and campsites, minimising our impact on delicate ecosystems. By choosing durable surfaces for our activities, we can protect the natural landscapes we love. Travelling and camping on resistant, long-lasting surfaces is an important one. If you’re camping in an area that has designated campsites or platforms, make sure you use those. When hiking or exploring, always walk along the designated tracks to keep activity to one area.
Soft plants, muddy sites, and fragile soil layers are non-durable surfaces and should be avoided. Instead, rock outcrops, sand, gravel, dry grasses, snow, and tent platforms are considered durable to travel across and camp on.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Every piece of waste we generate, from trash to toilet paper, must be packed out. Let's be diligent about properly disposing of human waste and using biodegradable soap when washing dishes. We've eliminated single-use plastics and use sustainable, ethically sourced products. If you see rubbish when you’re out and about, be a good citizen and take it with you. It’s not nice to clean up after others, but it’s better than leaving it for an animal to find, unfortunately we usually come home with lots of found rubbish from the trails.
4. Leave What You Find: As we venture forth, let's resist the urge to take home souvenirs or disturb cultural sites. By leaving nature untouched, we ensure that others can experience its wonders just as we have. Leave the perfect pebble or shell for others to enjoy, too.
5. Minimise Campfire Impacts: While campfires can add warmth and ambience to our evenings, let's use them responsibly. Opt for established fire rings and eco-friendly fuel options to minimise our impact on the environment.
6. Respect Wildlife: Our encounters with wildlife are precious moments. Let's keep a respectful distance, secure our food, and avoid behaviours that could disturb or harm the animals we encounter. Bring your binoculars for a closer look!
7. Be Considerate of Others: As we share the trails with fellow adventurers, let's be mindful of their experiences. Minimise noise and light pollution, and respect the peace and quiet of the wilderness.
By embracing these principles, we honour our commitment to leaving every environment as pristine as we found it, if not better. Let's continue to adventure with reverence, responsibility, and a profound appreciation for the natural world.
Happy trails, everyone! 🌲💚
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