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Leave No Trace
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources proudly operates more than 120? (Find correct number) state parks, forests, historic sites, natural areas, and trails for public recreation.
But keeping parks clean daily can be challenging. Every year, more than 100 million pounds of waste is generated in national and state parks, and not all of it lands in trash or recycling bins. Litter can quickly pile up, which inconveniences visitors and harms wildlife.
Keeping parks accessible for everyone is a priority for IDNR, but we can’t do it without your help. Here are some easy ways to reduce the waste you generate when camping or visiting Illinois state parks:
Before leaving, always check your campsite for trash such as spilled food or drinks, even if it was left by someone else.
Bring durable trash bags and a trash picker/grabber to easily and safely carry out garbage.
Replace single-use items such as plastic water bottles and cutlery with reuseable ones. Reuseable items means less to carry, less to pay for, and less risk of accidental litter.
Avoid contaminating waterways by washing yourself or dishes at least 200 feet away from rivers and lakes with biodegradable soap.
Bury solid human waste and toilet paper at least 200 feet away from water, campgrounds, and trails to avoid attracting wildlife
The smallest changes can have the biggest impacts. Think about other steps you can take to keep our parks beautiful.
