To The Teacher

Take Only Memories,
Leave Only Footprints

    Take Only Memories, Leave Only Footprints ... is a good motto for park visitors. State Park regulations prohibit the collection or destruction of any park resource. It is recognized, however, that sometimes minor sacrifices of renewable resources are necessary for effective education. For example, a menhaden that is passed among 50 inquisitive hands is unlikely to survive, but its loss may benefit the rest of the species; and no harm can come from dissecting a dandelion that is destined to be mowed tomorrow.

    Nonetheless, groups may damage fragile resources by inadvertently disturbing an ecologically sensitive area. Therefore, if any collecting or off-trail work is planned, please check with the park staff. The staff can assist with minimum-impact planning and will advise on locations.

    Discuss environmentally responsible planning and behavior with students, both before the trip and at the park. Many students seldom interact with natural environments and are simply unaware of the consequences of their actions. A visit to the park offers a rare opportunity to teach "hands-on" environmental ethics.