A quick family getaway to the beach is a good way to conquer back-to-school blues. It’s also a great time to teach the kids the importance of taking care of the environment.
The Leave Only Footprints program is based on Leave No Trace principles. For a kid-friendly version, our Leave No Trace Principles for Kids helps children learn to be good stewards of our beaches and coastal lands.
- Know Before You Go – Have a family discussion about everyone doing their part to keep the beaches and water clean.
- Choose the Right Path – Use only the boardwalks and designated walking paths to access the beach. The surrounding vegetation protects the dunes system.
- Be Careful with Fire – Fires aren’t allowed on the beaches.
- Respect Wildlife – Stay away from turtles, birds and other beach wildlife, and don’t feed the seagulls.
- Trash Your Trash – Always pick up your trash. If you have a plastic bottle or other recyclable, place it in the recycle bin.
- Leave What You Find – Don’t pick the flowers or pull up the sea oats. They help hold the dunes together.
- Be Kind to Others – Allow other people to enjoy the beach by keeping your noise level low and not crowding your neighbors.
Teaching children about protecting the environment can lead to a lifetime of being green.