Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey

Palo-Santo-Candles

Earth-Friendly Hiking

Person standing in middle of trees in forest with arms spread

Maridav/AdobeStock.com

Hiking in the great outdoors is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable sports on Earth, especially in the summertime, when the weather is temperate and the sun shines upon us. Unfortunately, nature’s charm can quickly fade when we stumble upon empty beverage cans, plastic sandwich bags or even worse, somebody’s still-smoldering cigarette butt, which could so easily become the next uncontrollable wildfire.

As stewards of the environment (and kind human beings), it’s important that we hike responsibly, leaving no detritus behind, respecting wildlife and preserving the pristine setting for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few tips for treading lightly on the next hiking trip.

Avoid overcrowded places. The most popular national parks and hiking trails have been hosting a record-breaking number of visitors lately, severely stressing the flora and fauna. Consider exploring less trafficked spots so that these areas can recover.

Stay close to home. Choose a trail close by to cut down on travel-related carbon emissions. For most of us, a beautiful natural setting is usually a short walk or bike ride away.

Use sustainable gear. Wear outdoor gear by eco-friendly brands that strive to lower the carbon footprint in their sourcing, manufacturing and shipping practices, such as Patagonia or Merrell.

Don’t litter. Leave no trash on the trail, including biodegradable items or food scraps, which could negatively impact wildlife. Remember to bring a bag on the walk to carry all refuse home—score extra points for picking up items that someone else might have left behind.

Pack responsibly. Limit waste by wrapping homemade snacks and beverages in reusable bags and containers. Bring bamboo utensils.

Bring a reusable water bottle. Single-use water bottles are out. Bring a lightweight, reusable bottle. For longer hikes near fresh water sources, invest in an on-the-go water filter.

Ditch chemical products. Use chemical-free sunscreens and insect repellents to keep toxins out of the environment. This is especially important when taking an outdoor swim.

Don’t take a souvenir. Resist the temptation to handle, move or take home items found on the trail. Rocks, shells, a handful of sand, pinecones, flowers—they’re all integral parts of the ecosystem, serving as food and habitat for wildlife.

Stick to the trail to avoid trampling plants or causing other unintentional damage.

Don’t engage with the animals. Getting uncomfortably close to touch, photograph or feed wild animals is a big no-no.

Tick Talk

Spring officially sprung on March 21. We have turned our clocks ahead. We are looking forward to warm winds, sunny skies and the smell of fresh cut grass. The daffodils and tulips have recently bloomed and we are just starting with the yard work that comes with the warmer weather.  Sadly, another season has started ramping up.  Tick season.

•             The best form of protection is prevention. Educating oneself about tick activity and how our behaviors overlap with tick habitats is the first step.

•             According to the NJ DOH, in 2022 Hunterdon County led the state with a Lyme disease incidence rate of 426 cases per 100,000 people. The fact is ticks spend approximately 90% of their lives not on a host but aggressively searching for one, molting to their next stage or over-wintering. This is why a tick remediation program should be implemented on school grounds where NJ DOH deems high risk for tick exposure and subsequent attachment to human hosts.

•             Governor Murphy has signed a bill that mandates tick education in NJ public schools. See this for the details.  Tick education must now be incorporated into K-12 school curriculum. See link:

https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/2023/sept/27/TicksandTick-BorneIllnessEducation.pdf

•             May is a great month to remind the public that tick activity is in full swing. In New Jersey, there are many tickborne diseases that affect residents, including Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Powassan, and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis.

•             For years, the focus has mainly been about protecting ourselves from Lyme disease. But other tick-borne diseases are on the rise in Central Jersey. An increase of incidence of Babesia and Anaplasma are sidelining people too. These two pathogens are scary because they effect our blood cells. Babesia affects the red blood cells and Anaplasma effects the white blood cells.

•             Ticks can be infected with more than one pathogen. When you contract Lyme it is possible to contract more than just that one disease. This is called a co-infection. It is super important to pay attention to your symptoms. See link.

https://twp.freehold.nj.us/480/Disease-Co-Infection

A good resource from the State:

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/tickborne.shtml

 

Follow Us On Facebook