Always practice Leave No Trace principles by leaving rocks, vegetation, and artifacts where you found them for others to appreciate. It’s Also important to leave what you find. Natural objects of beauty or interest such as antlers, petrified wood, or colored rocks add to the mood of the great outdoors and should be left so others can experience the same sense of discovery that you have enjoyed. Picking a few flowers, for example, does not seem like it would have any great impact and, if only a few flowers were picked, it wouldn’t. But, if every visitor thought “I’ll just take a few,” a much more significant impact might result. Take a picture or sketch the flower instead of picking it.

Responsible hikers and campers should make an effort to minimize site alterations. Leave areas as you found them; if you clear an area of surface rocks, twigs, or pine cones, replace these items before leaving.