Take Responsibility For The Earth

Every now and then I like to go through my old Boy Scout Handbooks and take a look at some of the material that is still great information. With Earth Day being this week, page 368 of the 10th edition (1990) of the Boy Scout Handbook give us some awesome advise and ideas on how to take responsibility for the Earth.

By using low-impact and no-trace methods whenever you are hiking and camping, you can

• Protect the areas you visit.

• Increase your awareness of the world around you.

• Encourage others to care for trails and campgrounds, too.

Many Scouts are also rolling up their sleeves and going to work for the land. Most troops are close to national parks and forests, state and city parks, or other recreation areas. With the help of rangers, Scout troops can make important conservation projects a part of their outdoor programs. Meaningful efforts include.

• Repairing hiking trails.

• Restoring eroded meadows.

• Reseeding campsites damaged by overuse.

• Building stream structures that improve fish habitat.

• Setting up birdhouses and feeding stations.

• Observing wildlife and keeping records of their habits and the areas in which they live.