Leave no trace at hoffler creek
An Eagle Scout project by certified Leave No Trace trainer, Aliya Summers
You've found an egret sign! This scavenger hunt is designed to help you discover the seven Leave No Trace Principles—easy-to-follow guidelines that minimize our impact on nature. These principles apply everywhere, from remote wilderness to local areas like Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve.
Keep your eyes open for the other signs along the trail to learn how these principles specifically help protect the wildlife and habitat right here at Hoffler Creek.
Principle 2: Travel & Camp on Durable surfaces
When moving through natural areas, we must avoid damaging the soil, plants, and waterways. Damage from travel can lead to surface vegetation or communities of organisms being trampled beyond recovery. Concentrating your travel (and camping) on durable surfaces prevents soil erosion and the development of undesirable new paths.
Here are some of the basics:
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What are durable surfaces? These include established trails, campsites, rock, gravel, and dry grasses or snow.
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Walk single file in the middle of trails, even if they are wet or muddy. Don’t take short cuts around or off of trails.
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Here at Hoffler Creek, we don’t offer camping. If you would like to learn more about how this principle applies to camping, visit lnt.org.
Staying on hoffler creek trails
We have six well-maintained trails that serve as easy, identifiable routes for you to enjoy the Preserve.
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Ticks are an ever-present concern throughout the Preserve. Staying on established trails is the best way to minimize your risk of exposure.
About
Meet Aliya Summers
I am a certified Leave No Trace Trainer, BSA Scout, BSA Sea Scout, BSA Venturing Scout, OA Brotherhood member, Girl Scout, AFJROTC cadet, Civil Air Patrol cadet, Karate Black Belt, and student at Nansemond River High School, class of 2026.
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For my Eagle Scout project, I aimed to execute something that was helpful to Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve and my community by educating visitors about Leave No Trace Principles. Teaching people about Leave No Trace while in nature is beneficial and can have a lasting impact, helping preserve nature for future generations.
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The idea for this project was inspired by the Leave No Trace Big Foot Trail at Cheaha State Park in Alabama, which I hiked when I was ten years old. I give my heartfelt appreciation to Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve for helping me bring my vision to life.
