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 6: Respect wildlife
Whenever you are in an outdoor space, you are in the natural habitat of many wild animals and should work to minimize your impact on them. Human impacts on wildlife can result in negative human-wildlife interactions, aggressive animals, a decline in the ecosystem’s health, and relocated or euthanized animals. As a wildlife preserve, while Hoffler Creek is open to human recreation, the focus of this Preserve is to minimize human impact to preserve nature for wildlife inhabitants.
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The Basics:
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Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
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Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
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Leave pets at home.
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Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or hibernating.
give wildlife space
Seeing wildlife such as turtles, foxes, or deer is a frequent and exciting experience at Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve! It is important to give the wildlife you encounter in your time here their space for these reasons:
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While some animals may not seem bothered by our company, they can be unpredictable, and getting too close could cause them to harm us or injure themselves if they try to run away.
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During mating or nesting season, animals are more sensitive to the presence of humans. Seeing humans may cause wildlife to abandon their young or become more aggressive to protect them.
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In winter, animals have to work extra hard to survive, and causing them to flee will cause them to use the critical energy they need to survive.
don't feed the wildlife
Never feed wildlife, no matter how hungry they may look. It is important to never leave food behind so that wildlife do not get access to it. Wildlife should not be fed for these reasons:
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Much of the food consumed by humans is unhealthy for wildlife, and regular access to it can cause animals to no longer seek their natural food sources, relying on us for their meals.
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Access to human food can also cause wildlife to lose their fear of humans and be attracted to us or unsafe, human-frequented areas like busy roadways.
Why Are There No Pets Allowed in Hoffler Creek?
There are no pets allowed on the grounds of Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve for the following reasons:
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Many species view our pets as predators. Even the scent of a dog can make some wildlife uncomfortable and unwilling to stay in the area, defeating our purpose as a wildlife preserve.
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Wildlife can injure pets in self-defense while protecting their young, and sometimes can even transmit diseases.
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Wild animals can be injured by pets directly or while being pursued.
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.
