The wonders of nature are all around us. During a stroll on the beach, you may find a treasure trove of shells in one location. A little farther down the beach, a stack of driftwood might have been left by the last high tide. You may even find a hermit crab taking up residence in a shell.
All of these coastal treasures are fascinating and seem like good souvenirs of a beach vacation. But if it belongs to the beach, it should stay on the beach.
That pile of shells could contain live creatures. Live starfish, sand dollars and hermit crabs will certainly die if you take them out of their habitat. The driftwood provides a hiding place for small animals.
What would happen if every one of the more than 5 million visitors to our shores each year took just one thing away from the beach? Would future generations be able to enjoy the same experience we have today? Hopefully, these are questions that will never be answered.
When visiting the beach, enjoy the natural surroundings. Snap pictures of the shells and driftwood. Say hello to the hermit crab and then let him be on his way. If you see trash, please pick it up and properly dispose of it.
It’s easy to do the right thing when you remember to Leave Only Footprints as you go.