Trash Talk
- James Przybylski
I may not be able to define trash but I know it when I see it. For most of us, this expression probably rings true. Beer cans, plastic bottles and other plastic debris have no place in our woods and around our public spaces, that much we can agree on. But what about the less obvious traces that outdoor enthusiasts leave behind? Where do we draw the line on what is trash and what isn’t? To put it simply, if something is transported and subsequently left behind as the result of a human’s presence, more than likely it’s trash, brotha.
Anything else?
As a matter of fact, yes. While wrappers and containers are obvious eyesores, they might not be the most egregious of foreign material left behind on the trail. Trampled undergrowth, tree carvings, the remnants of athletic tape, and cigarette butts are often times the tell-tale signatures of a well-trafficked area.
What makes this kind of trash so hard to tolerate is that it is an obvious and direct result of the patrons of our natural spaces, something we just can’t pass the buck on. Worse yet is that clean-up requires minimal effort and zero specialized equipment. Got pockets? Put your spent tape in ‘em. Cigarette butts? Knock it off already it’s 2020. Blazing a rad new unmarked trail on your mountain bike? Nope. Not here Lance.
What about poop?
You guessed it (colon) trash. The call of the wild can be unpredictable at the best of times, but following basic potty protocol can help to alleviate unnecessary stress on fragile areas and prevent the spread of disease. So join the movement and regularly follow accepted Leave No Trace Principles.
- Use the facilities before you leave the house
- Take advantage of free wi-fi and “download” at a local rest-stop on the drive to the trail.
- If you’re already in deep and a toilet is out of the question, it’s time to break out the trowel and dig a cathole. Butt be sure to follow a few guidelines:
- Holes should be at least six – eight inches deep
- A minimum of 200ft away from a water source, trail, or camp
- Burying TP is OK according to LNT ethics
- Feminine hygiene products break down slowly and should be packed out whenever possible
Finally, everyone loves a dog, but not necessarily on the trail or in the park. If you do feel the need to bring Spot for the ride, make sure they are well-attended. This goes for anything they leave behind. Remember that bagging Fido’s feces is only ½ of the equation; pack that S#!t out with you.
Consider adding these items to your pack so you never get caught unprepared.
TRASH BAG
- See something off to the side of the trail when you’re walking out? Pick it up even if you didn’t leave it behind. It makes you and the community in general look good.
EXTRA SANDWICH BAGS
- Burying T.P. is an accepted practice but you get bonus points for crappin’ and packin’.
CATHOLE TROWEL
- You get it by now.
NITRILE GLOVES
- You’re willing to pick up other people’s trash, which is great! No reason you have to get any grodier than you already are.
Have you found a painted rock on the trail?
Manchester Trails Guide
The hiking and walking trails throughout our community allow for passive recreation (includes, walking, hiking, biking on permitted trails, or activities which allow for individual participation and/or social distancing) are still open to the public.
And for my final number…
Listen, nature has its own soundtrack. Use discretion when bringing music with you on the trail. Not only because your taste in music is questionable, but because voices and music really do carry in the woods. Access to many popular hiking and riding areas is sensitive, to say the least, with the relationship between outdoor enthusiasts and land owners of constant concern. Take the opportunity to tune-in and turn-off whenever possible. Good conversation is becoming a rare thing indeed these days, so give the phone a rest.
As citizens of this place, we are stewards of the land we love. We maintain access to “High and Wild Places” by demonstrating to others a commitment to conservation through our actions. So remember the next time you head out for some hiking, biking, or general trail bashing, to bring a bag with you and walk out with more than you walked in with.
OurParks Pledge
Join the OurParks movement by taking the pledge to commit to helping create a community and culture of stewardship, safety, and compassion for all who enjoy #OurParks in Manchester.