Spring is a magical time in the forest. After the quiet dormancy of winter, the landscape bursts to life with delicate wildflowers known as spring ephemerals. These short-lived blooms — including trillium, bloodroot, Dutchman’s breeches, and mayapple — are nature’s early risers, taking advantage of the brief window of sunlight before the trees fully leaf out. Their beauty is fleeting, and their ecological role is essential. That’s why practicing Leave No Trace Principle 2: Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces is especially critical during this sensitive season.
Spring ephemerals are perennial plants that emerge, bloom, and go to seed all within a short period in early spring. They thrive in the rich soil of deciduous forests, taking advantage of the sunlight that filters through the bare tree canopy before the leaves come in. Trillium is one of the most recognizable spring ephemerals, with its three-petaled flowers and broad leaves. Bloodroot, named for its reddish sap, was historically used as a natural dye by Indigenous peoples. Dutchman’s breeches, with their tiny white flowers that resemble upside-down pantaloons, add whimsical charm to the forest floor. Mayapple is another common ephemeral, known for its umbrella-like leaves and hidden white flower that gives way to a small fruit. These plants play an essential role in the forest ecosystem, providing an early nectar source for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Their root systems also stabilize soil and help prevent erosion.
During spring, trails can become muddy and tempting to avoid. But stepping off the trail — even for just a moment — can cause significant damage to fragile plant communities, including spring ephemerals. Spring ephemerals have shallow root systems and limited energy reserves. If they are crushed underfoot, they may not have the strength to recover before the growing season ends. Even a single misstep can mean the loss of a plant that took years to establish. Ephemerals provide some of the first food sources for emerging pollinators in spring. Damaging these plants can reduce nectar availability, which in turn affects bee and butterfly populations. Less food for pollinators means fewer plants get pollinated — a ripple effect on the entire ecosystem.
Stepping off the trail also compacts the soil, making it harder for plants to grow. Compacted soil holds less oxygen and water, which ephemerals need to survive. It also increases runoff and erosion, which can wash away seeds and delicate roots. Unintentional trail creation is another major issue. When hikers cut corners or step around mud, it encourages others to follow, widening trails and expanding the footprint of human impact. Over time, this damages more plants and makes it harder for the forest floor to recover.
To protect spring ephemerals and other delicate plant life, it’s essential to stay on established trails even when they’re muddy or rocky. If you need to avoid mud, step directly in it rather than walking around it. Use rock, gravel, and hard-packed soil when crossing wet or fragile areas. Avoid creating new paths and stick to official trail markers. If you’re hiking with a dog, keep them leashed to prevent them from wandering into sensitive areas.
Spring ephemerals are a gift — a fleeting reminder of the changing seasons and the resilience of nature. By sticking to the trail and treading carefully, we can ensure that these delicate plants return year after year, delighting hikers and supporting the forest ecosystem. Protect the blooms. Stay on the trail. 

Have you ever been on a hike with your child, standing before the breathtaking beauty of a cascading waterfall, only to hear the curious question, "Mommy, where do waterfalls come from?" It's a moment that invites wonder, exploration, and a perfect opportunity to share the story of how nature shapes the world around us—starting with watersheds.

I was inspired to write this blog while on a volunteer wilderness ranger patrol. As we made our way along the trail, I found myself explaining to a few volunteers how the tiny stream of water trickling beside us would eventually turn into the beautiful waterfall that was our destination. Watching their faces light up with curiosity and wonder reminded me of how magical this story can be, whether told to adults or children.

Imagine a single drop of rain falling from a cloud. Where does it go? Some drops land on leaves, some soak into the soil, and others trickle across rocks and roots. But many of these tiny droplets begin an incredible journey, flowing downhill due to gravity. As they join together, they form little streams, and when many streams converge, they create rivers. This entire network is part of what we call a watershed. A watershed is like a giant bowl or funnel. It's an area of land where all the water that falls within it drains into the same place, like a river, lake, or ocean. The edges of the bowl are usually made up of ridges or high points in the landscape, such as hills and mountains. Water always seeks the lowest point, so it travels downhill, gathering into streams and rivers as it goes.

Over time, as water flows through the landscape, it shapes the land beneath it. Imagine millions of raindrops working together, year after year, to wear down rocks and soil. This process is called erosion, and it's how rivers carve valleys, create canyons, and, yes, even form waterfalls. A waterfall happens when water flows over a sudden drop in the landscape. This drop can be caused by different things: hard rock that doesn't erode as easily as the softer rock below it, tectonic shifts that lift parts of the earth, or even glaciers from the past that carved out steep cliffs. As water rushes over these edges, gravity pulls it down, creating the beautiful, tumbling motion we recognize as a waterfall.

What might surprise you is that watersheds aren't just found in wild, remote places. Every neighborhood, park, and backyard is part of a watershed. Whether it's rain flowing into a storm drain or a tiny creek winding through your local woods, that water is part of a larger system, connected to rivers, lakes, and eventually the ocean. Understanding watersheds helps us see how everything in nature is connected. The health of our water sources depends on how we care for the land around them. Pollution, deforestation, and poor land management can harm the entire watershed, affecting wildlife, plants, and even the water we drink.
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So, the next time your child asks, "Mommy, where do waterfalls come from?" you can smile and say, "They come from the journey of a raindrop, traveling through the land, joining streams and rivers, and carving the earth as it goes. It’s all part of the story of a watershed." And maybe, just maybe, that answer will inspire the next generation of water protectors and nature lovers.

Wild Alabama is excited to announce that the National Wilderness Skills Institute (NWSI) is now accepting proposals for presentations for this year's virtual event, scheduled for June 3-4, 2025. This annual gathering brings together professionals, volunteers, educators, and enthusiasts to share knowledge, ideas, and best practices in wilderness, wild & scenic rivers and backcountry management.
Submit Your ProposalProposals are being accepted through March 6, 2025. We invite submissions on a wide range of topics related to:

• Wilderness and protected area management
• Backcountry stewardship
• Wild & Scenic Rivers stewardship
  
• ​Cultural and ecological preservation in wilderness areas
• Innovative tools and techniques for wilderness stewardship

Whether you're a seasoned professional, an academic researcher, or a passionate volunteer, this is your opportunity to share your expertise with a national audience.
Event Details

• Date: June 3-4, 2025
  
• Format: Virtual
  
• Audience: Wilderness professionals, stewards, educators, and enthusiasts
  

Wild Alabama's RoleWe’re proud to share that our very own Kim Waites, Wilderness Stewardship Coordinator at Wild Alabama, is on the planning team for this year’s NWSI. Kim brings a wealth of experience and passion for wilderness stewardship to the event.
If you have any questions about the submission process or need guidance on developing your proposal, Kim is happy to assist. You can reach her at [email protected].
Why Participate?The National Wilderness Skills Institute offers a unique platform to:

• Share your knowledge and experience with a diverse and engaged audience.
  
• Learn from peers and experts in wilderness and backcountry management.
  
• Build connections within the wilderness stewardship community.
  

How to SubmitVisit the NWSI website for detailed guidelines on submitting your proposal and additional event information. Don't miss this chance to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on preserving and managing our nation’s wilderness areas.

https://wildernessskillsinstitute.org/nwsi/

Let’s come together to inspire and empower the next generation of wilderness stewards. We look forward to seeing your proposals!

​Huntsville, Alabama – December 2024 – Wild Alabama and Landmark Learning hosted outdoor enthusiasts, educators, and professionals at the Leave No Trace Level Two Instructor Course at the stunning Monte Sano State Park. This transformative event, which took place from December 2-5, brought together participants eager to deepen their understanding of Leave No Trace principles and earn certification as Level Two Instructors.The course attracted attendees from near and far, including two students who traveled from Poland, demonstrating the global significance of responsible outdoor practices. Monte Sano State Park provided a stunning and accessible backdrop for the immersive training.

Participants learned how to teach and implement Leave No Trace principles effectively, equipping them to advocate for conservation and responsible outdoor practices in their communities. The course combined hands-on training, group discussions, and individual instruction, offering a robust and engaging educational experience.

Two of the participants came all the way from Poland for the course. It was their first visit to the United States. Watch the YouTube video as they reflect on their experience. Read the interview here

A Warm Welcome to Rocket City
Attendees were also encouraged to explore Huntsville, famously known as the "Rocket City" and home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. With its rich history, cultural landmarks, and vibrant natural beauty, Huntsville proved an excellent destination for extending their visit.
About Wild Alabama
Wild Alabama is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting, promoting, and educating about Alabama’s wildlands. Through community engagement, advocacy, and education, Wild Alabama inspires individuals to explore, enjoy, and conserve the natural beauty of the state’s wilderness areas. www.wildal.org
About Landmark Learning
Landmark Learning is a leading provider of outdoor education, offering nationally recognized courses in wilderness medicine, outdoor leadership, and environmental stewardship. Their commitment to high-quality instruction prepares participants to thrive in and protect outdoor environments. www.landmarklearning.org
About the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the natural world by teaching people how to enjoy it responsibly. Through research-based education, training, and outreach, the Center provides innovative solutions to minimize human impact on the environment. By promoting the widely recognized Leave No Trace principles, the organization empowers individuals and communities to preserve and respect outdoor spaces for current and future generations. www.lnt.org

​Chainsaws are not allowed in designated wilderness areas primarily to preserve the natural soundscape and minimize human impact on the environment. Wilderness areas are intended to remain as wild and unaltered as possible, allowing visitors to experience nature without the intrusion of modern mechanization. The noise generated by chainsaws disrupts the peace and tranquility that wilderness areas are meant to protect. These areas are designated for solitude and a deep connection with the environment, free from the distractions of technology. By limiting the use of motorized tools, including chainsaws, the wilderness experience remains authentic and immersive for all visitors.

Another reason chainsaws are prohibited is to minimize environmental disruption. Chainsaws, while effective, can lead to faster deforestation or damage to habitats if not used carefully. Wilderness areas are protected under the 1964 Wilderness Act, which emphasizes the preservation of ecological balance and biodiversity. By restricting motorized equipment, the process of maintaining trails or clearing fallen trees in these areas must be done manually, encouraging a more deliberate, low-impact approach that helps protect plant life, wildlife, and the overall ecosystem. This slower, non-mechanized approach helps reduce soil erosion, prevent the spread of invasive species, and protect the delicate ecosystems within wilderness boundaries.

Lastly, the prohibition of chainsaws helps reinforce the concept of self-reliance and traditional skills in wilderness management. The absence of modern tools like chainsaws encourages the use of hand tools, which require a greater physical effort and time investment. This reflects the core values of wilderness areas, where simplicity and resourcefulness are essential. Visitors and workers alike are encouraged to engage with the environment more thoughtfully and with respect for its limitations, ensuring that the landscape remains undisturbed for future generations. The restriction of chainsaws ultimately aligns with the wilderness area's goal of preserving the land’s pristine nature and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

​In wilderness areas, crosscut saws are often used instead of chainsaws because they align with the principles of low-impact conservation. These traditional tools are quiet, preserving the natural soundscape, and allow for a more intimate, hands-on connection with the environment. Unlike chainsaws, which can quickly disrupt the peace and disturb wildlife, crosscut saws require human power and skill, making the work slower but more sustainable. Using crosscut saws encourages careful planning and thoughtful decision-making, ensuring that any intervention in the wilderness is as minimal as possible. This traditional method also fosters a sense of respect for the land, honoring the wilderness area's intent to remain free of modern machinery.

Additionally, crosscut saws are preferred because they cause less damage to the environment. Chainsaws are efficient but can be overused, leading to more rapid removal of trees and increased risk of habitat destruction. In contrast, crosscut saws allow workers to approach their tasks with greater precision, focusing on only what is necessary to maintain trails or clear obstructions. This slower, more deliberate method reduces the likelihood of collateral damage to surrounding plants and wildlife. By using crosscut saws, wilderness stewards uphold the balance between maintaining access and preserving the untouched quality of the environment, ensuring that wilderness areas remain wild and undisturbed for future generations.

When heading out on a backcountry hike, leaving your itinerary on your vehicle’s dashboard is a crucial step for ensuring your safety. In the event of an emergency, it provides valuable information that could expedite rescue efforts. If you get lost, injured, or encounter unexpected delays, rescuers will have a starting point to search for you. Your itinerary should include details such as your planned route, expected return time, and any potential alternate paths you might take. This information can be the difference between a timely rescue and a prolonged, dangerous situation.

Another important aspect of leaving your itinerary visible is that it informs others who may be passing by your vehicle. Fellow hikers or park rangers often check vehicles at trailheads, especially if they notice a car parked longer than expected. If your vehicle is still there after your anticipated return time, they may recognize that something is amiss and alert authorities. This early alert can save precious time in initiating a search, especially in remote areas where cell service is unavailable.

Lastly, leaving your hike itinerary on your dashboard is a small but significant way to respect the wilderness. It signals to others that you are prepared, responsible, and aware of the inherent risks of backcountry hiking. It also helps protect the environment by reducing the likelihood of large-scale search efforts that can disrupt wildlife and damage delicate ecosystems. By taking this simple precaution, you’re contributing to a safer and more respectful use of natural spaces.

Get a ready-to-use template for your next wilderness adventures. CLICK HERE

As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, we must reflect on both its significance and the complex history it intersects. Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on September 3, 1964, the Act was a landmark in American environmental policy, creating the National Wilderness Preservation System, which now safeguards over 111 million acres of wild landscapes. While this legislation marked a pivotal moment in the conservation movement, it’s essential to acknowledge that these lands were never "untrammeled" in the way the Act defined. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples have lived, stewarded, and thrived on these landscapes, long before they were designated as "wilderness."
The Wilderness Act was innovative for its time, offering legal protection to areas where nature could exist without the imprint of modern civilization. However, the language of the Act—describing wilderness as a place "where man himself is a visitor who does not remain"—overlooked the deep, ongoing relationship between Indigenous communities and their ancestral lands. These lands were, and continue to be, central to Indigenous cultures, histories, and livelihoods. As we honor the Act, it is crucial to recognize that what was framed as "preservation" often involved the erasure of Indigenous presence, stories, and rights to these lands.
Margaret Murie, known as the "Grandmother of the Conservation Movement," was a key figure in advocating for the passage of the Wilderness Act. While her work was instrumental in protecting wild landscapes like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, it’s important to remember that these areas were not empty or untouched. Indigenous peoples had been stewards of these lands for millennia, managing ecosystems and living sustainably. The Muries’ contributions to conservation were significant, but our understanding of wilderness today must evolve to include the perspectives and rights of the Indigenous peoples who were, and still are, the original guardians of these landscapes.
As we mark this 60th anniversary, we celebrate the Wilderness Act's achievements while also recognizing the need for a more inclusive approach to conservation. Honoring the Act should go hand in hand with acknowledging the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples on these lands and supporting their sovereignty and stewardship. The future of wilderness conservation must embrace this holistic view, ensuring that protected areas are not only preserved for their ecological value but also respected for their cultural and historical significance. By doing so, we can forge a path that honors both the legacy of the Wilderness Act and the deep, ancestral connections that Indigenous peoples have to the land.

It's cool to stay cool!
Understanding Heat-Related Illnesses: Stay Safe in the Summer Heat

As summer is upon us, many of us eagerly embrace the sun’s warmth and the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks associated with excessive heat exposure. Heat-related illnesses can range from mild discomfort to severe conditions that require immediate medical attention. In this blog post, we'll explore the different types of heat-related illnesses, their symptoms, prevention tips, and what to do if you or someone you know shows signs of being affected.

Types of Heat-Related Illnesses

1. Heat Cramps: These are painful muscle spasms that often occur during or after intense physical activity in hot weather. They are caused by dehydration and loss of electrolytes.

2. Heat Exhaustion: This is more severe than heat cramps and can occur when the body loses too much water and salt through sweating. Symptoms may include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and fainting.

3. Heat Stroke: This is the most serious heat-related illness and requires immediate medical attention. Heat stroke can occur when the body’s temperature regulation fails, and body temperature rises to dangerous levels (above 103°F or 40°C). Symptoms include confusion, hot and dry skin (no sweating), rapid heartbeat, and unconsciousness.

Symptoms to Watch For

Recognizing the symptoms of heat-related illnesses is crucial for timely intervention:

Heat Cramps: Muscle pain or spasms, usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs.

Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache, cool and clammy skin, and a weak pulse.

Heat Stroke: High body temperature (above 103°F or 40°C), altered mental state or behavior, confusion, hot and dry skin (no sweating), rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness.

Prevention Tips

To prevent heat-related illnesses, follow these tips:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid beverages with caffeine or alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration.
  
Stay Cool: Seek out shade or air-conditioned environments during the hottest parts of the day (usually midday to late afternoon). Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and use hats and sunscreen to protect against sunburn.
  
Take Breaks: If engaging in physical activity outdoors, take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors. Pace yourself and listen to your body.
  
Monitor Vulnerable Individuals: Keep an eye on young children, elderly individuals, and those with chronic medical conditions who may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

What to Do if Someone Shows Signs of Heat-Related Illness

If someone shows symptoms of heat-related illness:

Move them to a cooler place: Bring them indoors or into the shade.
  
Cool them down: Use cold compresses, ice packs, or a cool bath or shower to lower their body temperature.
  
Hydrate: Offer them water or a sports drink (if conscious and able to swallow) to help rehydrate.

Seek Medical Attention: If symptoms worsen or if the person shows signs of heat stroke (high body temperature, confusion, unconsciousness), call emergency services immediately.

By understanding the risks of heat-related illnesses and taking proactive steps to stay safe in hot weather, you can enjoy summer activities while minimizing health risks. Remember to stay hydrated, stay cool, and stay informed about the symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Together, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable summer season for everyone.

Stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy the sunshine responsibly!