How to Protect Your Wild as a Culture and History Buff

Photo by: Jordan Pulmano

So, you’re a Culture and History Buff.

You’re a people person, a lover of stories, and you’ve always got a fun fact up your sleeve. You read every interpretive panel you spot on the trail and you’re a collector of knowledge and wisdom. You value the history and cultures that embody the land around you. On your next adventure, pack up these tips so you, a Culture and History Buff, can protect your wild wherever your curiosity takes you.

1. Learn and spread the word about underrepresented histories.
   On your next adventure, take some time to learn about the histories that might not have made it into your textbooks. For example, Yosemite National Park is home to: a rich history of Chinese Americans who built much of the infrastructure and roads around the park, Buffalo Soldiers — African-American cavalry and infantry troops who served in the U.S. Army and were among the first guardians of the early national parks, and the historical and present-day stewardship of the affiliated Tribes of Yosemite: Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation), Bishop Paiute Tribe, Bridgeport Indian Colony, Mono Lake Kootzaduka’a, North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California, Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, and the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians. Explore the stories underrepresented in the outdoor movements and work towards making the outdoors an equitable and inclusive space around you.
2. Start a book club
   Build community around sharing diverse histories, ecological ideas, and conservation philosophy by starting a book club with other Culture and History Buffs. Your local library could be a wonderful resource for a title or two to get you started, unless you already have a few titles in mind!
3. Learn about the wildlife around you
   Feed your inner researcher and learn about native plants and animals around you wherever you go. There are many free apps with tons of useful and community-sourced information that you can take with you on the trail. Some great options for learning about flora and fauna in your area are iNaturalist and the Merlin birding app — and both are free! The more you know about what is wild around you, the more you’ll know how to protect it — and the more fun facts you’ll have for your Culture and History Buff buddies.
4. Pack out your trash
   Leave No Trace (LNT) principles protect local wildlife! While some squirrels may pester you for your crumbs, we’re pretty sure that granola bars aren’t a typical part of their diet in the wild.
   Whenever you head out on the trail to admire the views, make sure to pack out all your trash with you — even things that are compostable like orange peels and apple cores. While these foods will decompose in the earth eventually, they often leave behind seeds that don’t typically belong in that ecosystem, or will be eaten by local wildlife. Keeping your trash with you is one of the most important ways to keep your ecosystem wild and to protect the fauna around you.
   If you come across trash on the trail, whether it’s yours or not, consider packing it home with you to leave your ecosystem better than how you found it. Your local wildlife and friends on the trail will thank you for it!
5. Find ways to support your local cultural or history centers.
   Wherever you are, locate your neighborhood arts and history centers and find ways to support them. They always appreciate a good Culture and History Buff who wants to give back to their community.
6. Use reusable items (but use what you have first!)
   Avoiding single-use items and utilizing reusable items are perhaps the most classic eco-friendly trip, but remember to use what you have first! If you have single-use items and have no way to repurpose them, use them up before buying when possible — that way you can get some use out of them before tossing them. If you’re looking for some new reusable travel mugs and utensils, head over to our store to grab our favorites. Make use of what you have and reuse whatever you can!
7. Share the love of the outdoors with others
   Many outdoor hobbies require wealth to buy the gear, time, and a car. Carpool and bring another Culture and History Buff along, and if you have extra gear, loan it out or share it with others if possible. More people playing and spreading the love of the outdoors, the better.

On your next adventure to Yosemite, join us for one of our art classes, naturalist walks, or Outdoor Adventures in the park! Most of our art classes and Outdoor Adventures include your peak hours/day-use reservation for entry to the park during 2024 peak season. Book your experience now before spots fill up!