How to Protect Your Wild as a Nature Nurture Navigator

Photo credit: Keith Walklet

So, you’re a Nature Nurture Navigator.

You made the reservations, sent out the packing lists, and are often known as the Camp Parent. You pack the best snacks, plan the most unique activities, and are prepared for adventure at every turn. On your next adventure, pack these tips in your bag with you to protect your wild wherever you go next as a Nature Nurture Navigator.

1. Repair your gear
   While there’s always a new tent or backpack coming out from outdoor brands, try to repair your gear before buying new! Utilize old t-shirt scraps to repair that new hole in your jeans, or snag some patches for your down gear or tents at your local outdoor store. By extending the life and use of your outdoorsy gear, you’ll be keeping them out of landfills and reducing your own consumption.
2. 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! We know as a Nature Nurture Navigator you want to provide the best and most sustainable experience possible for your friends.
   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 water bottles and utensils, head over to our store to grab our favorites. Make use of what you have and reuse whatever you can!
3. Do LNT together during your trip
   Leave No Trace (LNT) principles protect local wildlife! 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.
   When we, Nature Nurture Navigators, are out camping with friends or family, as we’re packing up our tents at the end of the trip, we always spend 10 minutes picking up trash together — it might surprise you how many tiny pieces of plastic are hiding in the dirt around your tent from past campers. Take a few minutes to do a little LNT before you take off and make it a tradition to leave your site better than how you found it.
4. Shop sustainably: shop used, shop local!
   Whatever you’re shopping for, see if there are used and/or local options you could purchase before deciding new. Not only does buying used often save you money, it keeps one less thing out of the landfill. And whether you’re shopping for snacks for the trail, clothing, or gear, try to shop local when possible. The less distance an item has had to travel to get to you, the less carbon emissions used.
5. Pack out your orange peels and wrappers
   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 might eventually decompose in the earth one day, it takes much longer than you think — so they often get eaten by local wildlife or leave behind seeds that don’t typically belong in that ecosystem. Keeping your trash with you is one of the most key ways to keep your ecosystem wild as a Nature Nurture Navigator.
6. Use reef-safe sunscreen
   If you’re adventure includes swimming, especially in the ocean, we recommend using reef-safe sunscreen before you dive in. This helps you be a Nature Nurture Navigator for the mountains and the oceans. Most traditional sunscreens are proven to have multiple chemicals in them that harm coral reefs in the ocean, so buy buying and using reef-safe sunscreen brands, you’ll be ensuring the fish you admire when you snorkel get to stay living in a healthy coral ecosystem.
7. Learn about native plants and species
   Take some time on your adventure to learn about the native plants, bugs, and animals around you. The more you know about what’s around you, the more you’ll have to talk about on the trail and the more likely you, the Nature Nurture Navigator, and your loved ones will want to keep protecting the wild around you.

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!