The Importance of Environmental Stewardship Education
Authors: Michael Bradley & Cody Korson
Introduction
As more people flock to the outdoors for recreation and respite, the need to protect and sustain these natural spaces becomes increasingly urgent. Outdoor spaces provide countless physical, mental, and social health benefits, but they are not limitless. The Leave No Trace (LNT) principles offer a foundational framework for minimizing human impact and promoting a culture of environmental stewardship. As more people explore trails, campgrounds, rivers, and backcountry terrain, ensuring they do so responsibly becomes critical to preserving access for future generations. This post explores the vital role of LNT education in preserving ecosystems, ensuring sustainable recreation, and inspiring long-term conservation behaviors among outdoor users.
Why It Matters
Ecosystems today are under immense pressure from human activity, including pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. With the global population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 (United Nations, 2021), the demand for natural resources—and places to enjoy nature—will only grow. Outdoor recreation, while beneficial for health and well-being, brings with it a real risk of ecological degradation if not practiced responsibly. Visitors often underestimate the cumulative impact of their individual actions—trampling vegetation, disturbing wildlife, or leaving behind litter—that can lead to lasting harm over time. That’s where Leave No Trace principles come in. LNT is a set of seven guidelines: plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others. These principles teach people how to reduce their environmental footprint while enjoying the outdoors. They also foster a mindset of respect—toward nature, other visitors, and future users.
Recreation Trends and Responsibilities
A 2020 report by the Outdoor Industry Association found that more than half of Americans participated in outdoor recreation in 2019—a number that has only grown since the pandemic, which spurred even more people to seek safe and socially distanced activities outside. While this surge in outdoor interest is encouraging, it places increased pressure on public lands, trails, and natural resources. LNT education supports sustainable recreation by showing how individual actions—such as staying on trails or packing out trash—can collectively protect fragile ecosystems. When taught effectively, these principles empower outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy nature while preserving it for others. Moreover, LNT can serve as a unifying philosophy among diverse users, whether they are hikers, mountain bikers, anglers, or campers. Promoting a shared code of ethics builds community and reduces conflict among recreationists.
Cultivating a Stewardship Ethic
LNT education goes beyond teaching outdoor etiquette; it cultivates a mindset of responsibility and care. According to the National Park Service (2019), stewardship begins with a sense of connection to place. Programs that involve people in conservation efforts—such as trail maintenance or wildlife monitoring—can deepen their investment in natural resource protection. These hands-on experiences can be transformative, especially for youth or first-time visitors, providing both practical knowledge and a deeper emotional connection to the environment. Yet, a 2020 survey by the Leave No Trace Center found that while 80% of respondents value the principles, only 54% consistently follow them. This gap highlights the need for stronger outreach and engagement strategies that connect more deeply with diverse audiences. Simply informing people isn’t enough—effective education must inspire behavior change.
Broadening the Reach
Effective LNT education must be inclusive and adaptive. That means using digital media to reach younger generations, tailoring messages to different cultural contexts, and making information accessible to novice and seasoned users alike. Social media campaigns, interactive apps, and engaging video content can extend the reach and impact of these messages. For example, storytelling campaigns that highlight local outdoor stewards or user-generated videos that model good LNT behavior can humanize the message and make it more relatable. Urban recreation areas, which often serve as gateways to nature for diverse populations, are especially important places to emphasize these principles. Collaboration is also key. Government agencies, nonprofits, outdoor retailers, and schools all have a role to play in advancing stewardship education. By working together, these groups can integrate LNT messaging into programming, signage, gear sales, and curricula. Retailers can display LNT reminders in stores, while schools and camps can embed the principles into youth programs, reinforcing lifelong stewardship habits.
Looking Ahead
The future of outdoor recreation—and the health of the planet—depends on our collective commitment to stewardship. The Leave No Trace principles provide an essential guide, but education must remain a priority. As outdoor participation becomes more mainstream, the need for responsible use grows more urgent. Expanding access to LNT education, promoting community engagement, and fostering cross-sector partnerships will be essential in ensuring that environmental ethics are deeply embedded in outdoor culture. These efforts not only safeguard natural areas but also enhance visitor experiences, making the outdoors more accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable for all.
Further Reading:
World Population Projections
National Park Service - Chapter 4: Natural Resource Management
Webinar: 2025 Retail Sales Trends and Forecasts
LNT: The 7 Principles
About the Authors
Michael J. Bradley, Ph.D. serves as the Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at Arkansas Tech University. His work focuses on outdoor recreation, community-based tourism, and sustainable economic development. His work emphasizes the role of trails, public lands, and place-based strategies in revitalizing rural communities. Bradley is especially passionate about connecting people to nature, supporting rural resilience, and advancing outdoor recreation as a tool for both education and economic transformation. LinkedIn Profile
Cody Korson is a graduate student in Recreation and Park Administration at Eastern Kentucky University. His academic interests focus on outdoor recreation, adventure recreation, and environmental education. LinkedIn Profile