Amidst the wonder of the great outdoors is the heart of our beautiful State Park. A delicate ecosystem brimming with wildlife. As avid enthusiasts of recreation and nature, it is our goal to preserve and protect these precious creatures that share their home with us. Through the Leave No Trace principles, which the park adopted this year, we can learn to appreciate wildlife from a respectful distance, fostering an environment that thrives in harmony.
Leave No Trace has seven easy to use principles to ensure that we continue to be great stewards of the Park. A top principle for Peninsula is respecting wildlife. Respecting wildlife is not just a moral responsibility, it is an essential aspect of nature conservation. By maintaining a respectful distance, we allow wildlife to live undisturbed in their natural habitats, ensuring their safety and minimizing stress. Remember, when we observe these fascinating creatures from afar, we provide them the space they need to engage in crucial natural behaviors and maintain their ecosystem’s balance.
Feeding wildlife is a well-intentioned act often driven by the desire to connect with nature. However, it can have severe consequences. When we feed wildlife, we disrupt their natural foraging patterns and alter their diet, leading to nutritional imbalances and health problems. Additionally, dependency on human-provided food can cause animals to lose their natural instincts, encroaching on human territories and increasing the risk of conflict. By refraining from feeding, we ensure the long-term well-being and self-sufficiency of the wildlife we cherish.
It is our hope that you, our visitors, continue to be good stewards of our Park and help us to embrace the Leave No Trace principles and show the utmost respect for the wildlife that surrounds us. By allowing them to live undisturbed and refraining from feeding them we play an active role in preserving their habitats and maintaining the delicate balance of nature. Together, let’s create a legacy of responsible outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate, protect, and coexist harmoniously with the wonders of the natural world.