A code of conduct exists for outdoor enthusiasts. It is called Principles of Leave No Trace. This set of best practices was designed specifically to ensure our outdoor recreational activities are sustainable over long periods of time. Leave No Trace is an organization dedicated to educating people on how to minimize their impacts while enjoying outdoors. Here are their seven principles.

One of first things we notice as we step outdoors and into nature is that we are not alone. Life surrounds us. So first thing to do is to slow down and have a look around. While you’re looking, why not do some bird watching. It’s fun, easy to do and inexpensive. All you need are birds and they are everywhere. Make a family game out of it. Who can find first bird with color blue on it? How many ducks are on pond? Are they all same kind? You get idea. But be careful, once you start bird watching you’ll find it difficult to stop. Before long you’ll have a good pair of birding binoculars and a field guide for your part of country. Then you’ll be a bird watcher with birding fever. The best part of bird watching is spending time with others outdoors; and birding is a hobby you’ll love for rest of your life.