"I feel like, as photographers, we have a bigger responsibility to ensure that we don't meadow stomp then share and be aware of the environment around us. It's easy to be lured by mountain scapes and to run through wild flowers because of what we see on IG and Facebook. It's also easy for others to see it and not think of the consequences they have to the land, but rather, because someone else has done it, so surely one more couldn't hurt. I feel like the power of social media will oftentimes be more about the likes rather than the experience, thus creating more traffic on our favorite trails and people not adhering to Leave No Trace and accidentally creating patches and new small paths that lead astray for just a photo. "I do a lot of research, alone and with the kids, to find desolate areas and trails that not many have wandered. But I also try to make sure that my kids adhere as much as they can to the LNT philosophy. There are times when they stray, or forget that their footprints and their new paths can hurt their favorite landscapes. Harrison even cried once because he didn't stay on the trail and stepped on a small plant. He was absolutely devastated because I reminded him of how big we are. It's definitely something I hope others will do, especially as the trails get busier and getting outside starts to mean more to those around us." —Hike it Baby Photographer Ashley Scheider
"I understand both sides and am a HUGE advocate of leave no trace. It’s a balancing act though between enjoying the outdoors and fostering a love for it with the kiddos with leave no trace. For example, I allow Pax to choose a leaf on the trail to carry and sometimes bring home. I’m also the person who will clean up others’ trash on the trail. Educate, educate, educate!!! A few irresponsible people on the trails could ruin them for everyone, but being personally and communally invested in our trails and beautiful places is so important." —Hike it Baby Member and Photographer Becca Harrison
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