MISSION STATEMENT
Using the power of science, education, and stewardship, the Leave No Trace organization is on a mission to ensure a sustainable future for the outdoors and the planet.
Leave No Trace is a membership-based nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the outdoors through science-based education that inspires responsible recreation. As more people visit parks, trails, and public lands, the pressure on our natural spaces grows. Leave No Trace works to ensure that everyone—no matter where they explore—has the knowledge and tools to enjoy nature while minimizing their impact.
Through cutting-edge research, hands-on training, and proven educational strategies, we empower individuals, communities, and organizations to become stewards of the environment. Our education is built around seven core principles that guide people in making low-impact decisions outdoors. From campers and hikers to land managers and educators, millions of people each year benefit from our programs and materials.
Rather than relying on costly restoration or restricting access to nature, Leave No Trace focuses on prevention. By addressing the root causes of environmental degradation, we help ensure that the natural world stays healthy and accessible. When people understand how their actions affect the outdoors, they become part of the solution, helping to protect the places we all love, now and for future generations.
The origins of Leave No Trace can be traced to the growing impact of outdoor recreation during the 1960s and 70s. As more people ventured outside, land management agencies began promoting responsible recreation through educational efforts. The U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management worked together to distribute guidelines aimed at minimizing human impact on public lands.
Recognizing the need for a more unified and effective approach, the U.S. Forest Service partnered with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in the late 1980s to develop a formal curriculum. This collaboration laid the groundwork for Leave No Trace to become an independent nonprofit in 1994. Since then, the organization has expanded its reach and impact, evolving from a backcountry-focused initiative into a broad movement that promotes responsible recreation in all outdoor spaces—ensuring that nature remains open, accessible, and thriving for everyone.
Our shared outdoor spaces are under growing pressure—from increased visitation and pollution to habitat destruction and climate change. Without action, the landscapes we love and rely on could suffer irreversible damage.
Leave No Trace tackles these challenges with science-backed education and practical solutions, giving people the tools they need to protect nature every time they step outside. By addressing the root causes of environmental impact, we help ensure that wild places, parks, and local green spaces remain healthy and accessible for all.
The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace provide an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. The Principles can be applied anywhere — from remote wilderness areas, to local parks and even in your backyard. Each Principle covers a specific topic and provides detailed information to empower you to minimize your impacts.
