How to Protect Your Wild as a Weekend Warrior

Photo by: Alicia Martinez

So, you’re a Weekend Warrior.

You favor the extreme hobbies and experience the outdoors in the most adrenaline-rising and jam-packed way. Your weekends are packed, the gear is in the trunk, and you’re waking up at 5 AM to get on the trail before it gets busy — it’ll totally be worth it. On your next adventure, take these tips with you to protect your wild wherever you recreate.

1. Pack out your trash
   Leave No Trace 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 one day, 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 key 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!
2. 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.
3. Buy used and local when possible
   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.
4. 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 water bottles and utensils, head over to our store to grab our favorites. Make use of what you have and reuse whatever you can!
5. Share the love of the outdoors with others
   Many outdoor hobbies require wealth to buy the gear, time, and a car. Carpool and bring a friend 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.
6. Take care when you doing your business
   An important part of Leave No Trace principles in the outdoors is to take care with your waste disposal and when doing your business. Packing out any toilet paper you use and digging a deep enough whole before going ensures that other people and animals nearby aren’t disturbed.When urinating, it’s vital to ensure you only go at least 200 feet from a water source, trail, or someone’s campsite. Whenever possible, do your best to urinate on rocks or low-vegetation area, as your urine has high salt content that can harm the plants below. Learn more about Leave No Trace principles on one of our special Leave No Trace Outdoor Adventures.
7. Support your local park system
   No matter where you live, take some time to explore the local park systems around you. Whether it’s a city, regional, state, or national park, find the beauty around you and take action to support the people protecting the public land 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!