Keep it Wild West Virginia

West Virginia is a playground for outdoor adventurers. There is an activity for everyone, from hiking, biking, climbing, and camping. There’s nothing like the sounds of bird calls, the rustling of leaves, and beautiful views of natural wonders. We expect natural areas to be clear of trash with plants and wildlife undisturbed when we arrive, so we should make sure they stay that way for future adventurers. The best way to do that is to follow Leave No Trace principles.

Plan and prepare

The best way to avoid accidents and mishaps is to plan and prepare for your trip. Look at the weather forecast and dress for the conditions. Is the sun out? Bring sunscreen. Is there a chance for rain? Wear a rain jacket. Plan your route, bring extra water, snacks, basic first aid supplies, and two light sources. 

Travel and camp in designated areas

Trails are meant to be walked on. They were built for heavy feet to stomp on. The plans and wildlife around the trails, not so much. Plants are delicate and can be hurt when walking on them. Meanwhile, trails are constructed to withstand human use. This is also good for avoiding accidents, as places that are off-trail might not be able to hold a person’s weight, say a cliffside or rocky areas. The New River Gorge is rich with coal history, and staying on the trail can prevent you from falling into an old coke oven.

Take care of waste

No one likes to see old wrappers and bottles on the trail. Not only is it gross, but wildlife might come sniffing around the trash and get sick, or worse, someone might hurt them because they are close to the trail. The best way to not see trash in nature is to carry out your waste with you when you leave a park. If you see trash around you, take it with you to dispose of it properly.

Leave plants and structures alone

Some plants, like trees and rhododendrons, take decades to grow. Wildlife and drinking water depend on plants to stay healthy, so it’s important to admire the beauty of plants instead of picking them. Just like a deep scratch hurts us, carving into a tree hurts it and disrupts the flow of nutrients throughout its system. 

Seeing the decaying historic structures in Southern West Virginia is a cool sight. To preserve what’s left of these structures and keep yourself safe, it’s best to look at these ruins from a safe distance.

Be careful with fire

There’s nothing like unwinding and roasting marshmallows around a campfire after a long day. Though campfires can be a great way to have fun, it’s best to respect the power fire has. A campfire can easily get out of control and start a wildfire. To prevent this from happening, use designated fire rings and have your campfire away from flammable objects and brush. It’s also important to note that leaf litter in southern West Virginia can become very dry, even though we experience heavy rains. So, if you’re a smoker, make sure your butt is fully extinguished and dispose of it in a trash bin. 

Respect wildlife

Imagine if a stranger came into your house and poked you with a stick or tried to pick you up. That doesn’t sound very nice, does it? When we see wildlife on the trails in any form—from bugs to bears—it’s important that we respect their space. There’s something magical in watching how critters act without noticing us or us interrupting them. We see how they greet each other or fight others off for their territory. On that note, animals will attack if they feel threatened. For creatures like deer and smaller, stay about 75 feet away. For bears, it’s best to be 150 feet or more away. If you’re not sure what that looks like, hold out your thumb and see if it covers the animal.

Respect others

The outdoors are for everyone. When we see others on the trail, let’s respect their space and their experience. Some people prefer the sounds of nature to music, so if you like jamming out during a trek, play your music softly or put on headphones. It’s also good to speak in hushed tones. West Virginia is full of front country that is open to pets of all kinds, including cats and dogs. Keep your fur friend safe from wildlife, non-friendly encounters with people and other pets, and from getting lost by putting them on a 6-foot leash. Remember to clean up after them so our parks stay clean. 

With your help, we can enjoy the wild and wonderful spaces in West Virginia for years to come! By respecting our plants, critters, and history, we can preserve the spaces we share.