Learning Leave No Trace isn’t just about the rules; it’s about understanding why those rules exist. In this video, our students participated in a hands-on exercise to count approximately 70 adult steps, which roughly equals 200 feet, to determine how far a campsite should be from lakes, rivers, or streams. Being this distance away helps protect water sources from pollution, prevents erosion along shorelines, and keeps wildlife habitats safe. By physically measuring it themselves, students gain a real sense of the space needed to minimize human impact, far more effective than simply reading about it in a book. Activities like this also teach attention to detail, observation skills, and the importance of intentional planning in the outdoors. Every small step we take to respect nature helps preserve these wild spaces for everyone who comes after us. #laketahoe #wildernesseducation #california #weol #wilderness #mountains #ltcc #college #backcountry #backpacking #lnt #leavenotrace