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 3: Dispose of Waste Properly
Trash in the outdoors can have severe impacts if not disposed of properly. Leave No Trace encourages outdoor enthusiasts to consider the impacts of what they may leave behind, which will undoubtedly affect other people, water, and wildlife.
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The main point of this principle is:
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Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect rest areas for trash or spilled food. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
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If you would like to learn more about how to adhere to this principle whilst camping and backpacking elsewhere, visit LNT.org.
Disposing of litter at hoffler creek
Please note that trash cans are only available by the Visitor Center.
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If you create litter while hiking—including food wrappers, fruit peels, or beverage containers—you are responsible for carrying it with you until you leave the Preserve.
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Search for micro-trash! Before you leave an area, look for small bits of food, plastic, or organic litter (like orange peels or pistachio shells). You can even make a game of scavenging for human signs!
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Plastic bags, cigarette butts, and fishing line are particularly deadly to wildlife. This is why we do not allow smoking or fishing within the Preserve.
Keep Hoffler Creek Clean: Consider bringing a small bag to carry out your own trash—and maybe a piece or two of litter you find from others.
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.
