Natural beauty is the foundation of unforgettable recreation—and whether your guests are paddling a quiet lake, hiking a wooded trail, or toasting marshmallows under the stars, they’re interacting with the land that makes your property special. But as activity professionals, we know the challenge: how do we protect the places we love without disrupting the fun—or adding to the chaos of summer schedules?

Enter: Leave No Trace (LNT). LNT is a set of seven simple guidelines that help people enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Originally designed for backcountry use, the principles are now embraced in parks, campgrounds, resorts, and everyday outdoor spaces. And importantly—they’re not rules. They’re flexible, guest-friendly suggestions focused on preservation, courtesy, and connection.

The 7 LNT principles include:

1. Plan ahead and prepare
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
3. Dispose of waste properly
4. Leave what you find
5. Minimize campfire impacts
6. Respect wildlife
7. Be considerate of other visitors

You don’t need to recite these principles to every guest, but you can model, nudge, and normalize them through subtle cues in your programming, signage, and conversations. Summer is hectic, so no one expects a complete LNT transformation overnight. Still, even light integration this season can lay a foundation for stronger practices down the road.

For example, RV campgrounds with wooded trails or natural shoreline can introduce a weekly LNT tip on their bulletin board, or place a trail sign that reads, "Muddy? Stay center. Nature thanks you." Family-oriented resorts might host a quick kids' scavenger hunt focused on LNT actions, or post signs with playful phrasing like, "Can you spot three things to leave just the way you found them?" Luxury resorts might integrate messaging into curated activity scripts or wellness experiences, using phrases such as, "Our guests are known for leaving this shoreline just as beautiful as they found it." Even a brief mention of LNT during a guided activity or check-in can reinforce a respectful, shared ethos.

One of the easiest ways to reinforce LNT is through signage. Instead of basic commands like "No littering" or "Don’t feed the wildlife," opt for messages that align with the tone of your brand and the expectations of your guests. Consider: "Together, we keep this view pristine," or "Let’s leave wild things wild—thanks for not feeding the animals."

To engage guests more directly, try a simple activity like the Nature Ninja Challenge. Encourage kids and families to complete three pro-nature actions, such as carrying out trash or staying on marked trails. Offer small stickers or shout-outs as recognition. Another idea is the "Leave It Better" card drop—slip a printed card with one LNT action (like "Leave wildflowers growing") into gear rentals or welcome kits. Guests can complete the action and keep the card, or return it to staff for a small token of appreciation.

LNT isn't just for guests, though. Staff training matters too. The LNT 101 Online Awareness Course is a free, self-paced introduction tailored to frontcountry settings—perfect for busy seasonal staff. Resorts with extensive natural areas might also consider purchasing official LNT signage to place in key spots around the property. When guests encounter LNT principles in multiple contexts—from check-in to the trailhead to kids' camp—the message sticks. The more visible and embedded these messages become, the more normal stewardship will feel.

For those interested in taking things further, consider becoming an official Leave No Trace Partner. Businesses and communities that partner with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics receive access to training support, educational tools, and the credibility of being recognized as part of a national movement. For example, The Gant Aspen collaborated with LNT educators to align their guest experience with responsible recreation practices. Visit Cook County, Minnesota offers another model—a full community partnership encouraging tourism businesses to work together around shared messaging.

Not every resort or campground can pursue this kind of formal partnership, especially mid-season, but it’s a meaningful long-term aspiration for properties with a commitment to stewardship. Learn more at LNT.org/partnership.

You don’t have to do everything. Just try something. Each tip you offer, each conversation you shape, and each guest you reach helps build a culture of care—one that strengthens your brand and your connection to the land.

Leave no trace. Take more joy.