In the Outdoors

Protect the wild spaces we love to explore.

The outdoors gives us space to recharge and connect with the ecosystems all life depends on. By practicing Leave No Trace, protecting pollinators and wildlife, and making mindful choices in our yards and green spaces, we can enjoy the outdoors while helping it thrive for generations to come.

⭐ Learn the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace means enjoying nature responsibly by minimizing our impact and leaving the environment as we found it, or better. I will spend (___) minutes learning about the seven core principles to minimize my impact while enjoying the outdoors.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

The Leave No Trace Seven Principles

Check Out Leave No Trace Activities for All Ages!
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DAILY ACTION
⭐ Learn to Be a Responsible Pet Owner

Being a responsible pet owner means keeping our pets safe from harm and minimizing the impact pets have on wildlife by keeping them indoors, never setting them 'free' into nature, and supervising pets when they are outside to prevent them from hunting or disturbing wild animals. I will spend (___) minutes learning about ways to ensure my pet’s behavior and care practices protect local wildlife and their ecosystems.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Tips for Keeping Cats and Dogs Safe Around Wildlife

Why Leash Laws Matter (And Alternatives to Breaking Them!)
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DAILY ACTION
⭐ Learn How to Save Pollinators

Bees and other pollinators are vital to ecosystems and agriculture. I will spend (___) minutes learning how to support local pollinators and take at least one action—such as planting native flowers or avoiding pesticides—to help sustain resilient ecosystems and harvests.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Pollinator Resources for Learning and Taking Action

Pollinator-Friendly Native Plant Lists
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DAILY ACTION
Leave the Leaves

Fallen leaves, logs, and brush provide shelter and food for wildlife. I will leave natural features in my yard or community space to help strengthen biodiversity and soil resilience.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

October is National Leave the Leaves Month

A Nature-Friendly Case for Leaving Your Leaves
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Reduce Light Pollution

Too much artificial light can confuse and harm animals, especially those active at night. I will reduce lighting at night or switch to wildlife-friendly fixtures to support healthy habitats.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

(Video: 13:18) TED - The Problem of Light Pollution and 5 Ridiculously Easy Ways to Fix It.

When Birds are Migrating, Turn Out Your Lights!
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DAILY ACTION
Mulch the Base of Trees and Plants

I will prevent water runoff and increase absorbency by mulching the base of plants and trees at my home or work.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

The Importance of Mulching
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Collect Rain Water

Rainwater collection reduces water waste and supports gardens. I will install a rain barrel or collect rainwater to use for (___) outdoor tasks, such as watering plants or cleaning.

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ONE-TIME ACTION
CREATE A CUSTOM ACTION

Ideally, you’ll choose at least one measurable goal so that you can measure your success but there are no limits on what you can choose—so exercise your creativity!

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