Inspiring the Next Generation of Hiking Stewards

The Important Work Of Making It Fun
By Deirdre Denali Rosenberg

Hiking isn’t just about exploring; it’s also about caring for the wild places that make these adventures possible. Stewardship is essential for preserving Southwest trails and ecosystems, but it’s not just our responsibility. It’s something we can pass on to others.

Whether you’re mentoring kids, hiking with friends, or connecting online, here are five ways to inspire a love for stewardship that lasts a lifetime.

1. Share Stories Behind the Rules

When teaching others about Leave No Trace principles, focus on the why. Instead of saying, “stay on the trail,” explain how it protects fragile alpine tundra, desert plants or prevents erosion.

Sharing personal stories can help drive the message home. I often talk about alpine ecosystems and the American pika—a species deeply affected by climate change. This is my way of hooking folks into caring about a really wonderful animal and its habitat. They develop a little passion for these cuties. Then, when I share with them how things like cutting trails, not packing out trash, etc impacts American pikas, they feel upset for the pikas and want to help out in keeping the alpine pristine. People will act on what they understand, and story is a really effective way to help folks understand and connect with important matters, like stewardship!

When people understand the stakes, they’re more likely to follow through.

2. Be the Steward You Want to See

Actions speak louder than words, especially on the trail. Whether I’m picking up trash, reminding someone to leash their dog, or staying on designated paths, I’ve seen how these small actions inspire others to do the same.

Your actions create a ripple effect. Stewardship doesn’t require perfection! Just showing up for the land in small, consistent ways makes a difference.

Of course I think it's important to say that being the steward you want to see must come with kindness and a pure heart. Would you want to be yelled at for doing something "wrong" that you aren't even aware of? Before you correct someone's behavior or let them know they're behaving less-than-ideally, remind yourself that they may have never heard of Leave No Trace. In fact, this might be their first ever outdoor adventure or hike. Shame will get us nowhere when it comes to inspiring hiking stewards. Kindness matters a lot.

3. Engage Younger Hikers

Kids are naturally curious, and that makes them the perfect stewards-in-training. I’ve taken young hikers on trails and turned it into an adventure—teaching them to spot wildlife signs, respect plants, and pack out trash.

It’s not about overwhelming them with rules but fostering a connection to the outdoors. If they fall in love with nature early, they’ll want to protect it for life.

In my own life, this was the case. I grew up hiking through wilderness, adventuring in mountains and playing outside. And the adults in my life always allowed me to experience the wonder of the great outdoors. And in hindsight, they seemed to always be intentional about pointing out cool bugs, interesting rocks and other little details that a kid might miss, but would be wow'd by. I was also always taught that packing out trash was the right thing to do and it didn't matter whose trash it was. That trash left in the wild could harm the cool bugs or deter from the interesting rocks. Stewardship became a natural part of me, without ever needing to be intentional about it. And I firmly believe that this is a key aspect to inspiring the next generation of stewards. Kids are the future of stewardship.

4. Build Community for Better Trail Stewardship

Stewardship thrives in community. Whether it’s local groups hosting clean-ups or online communities sharing educational resources, collective efforts have a big impact.

Online spaces, like hiking forums or Southwest Hikes’ social media, are perfect for sparking discussions about Leave No Trace, sharing trail reports, or even organizing group challenges. Together, we can make stewardship accessible for anyone, anywhere.

5. Celebrate the Joy of Caring for Nature

Stewardship should feel rewarding—not like a chore. Some of my best hiking memories involve turning clean-up hikes into scavenger hunts or sharing laughs over the bizarre trash items we’ve found.

In one instance, out in the Mojave Desert, I found a very real handgun. That turned into a whole story in and of itself because I had to involve the Park Service, the police and yeah; caring for nature can very much turn into a wild ride that will create stories for a lifetime!

Or it can create a sense of personal confidence; a joyful boost of spirit. Knowing you've done something good for the planet.

Celebrate small wins and find joy in the act of caring for the places you love. After all, we’re preserving them not just for ourselves but for future generations of adventurers.

Why Stewardship Matters

The Southwest’s iconic landscapes are fragile and irreplaceable. Every hiker plays a role in protecting these trails, from towering sandstone cliffs to delicate desert blooms, and amazing high alpine meadows. When we model stewardship and invite others to join us, we create a ripple effect that strengthens the hiking community.

So, whether you’re on a solo trek or leading a group, take a moment to consider the legacy you’re leaving behind. Stewardship isn’t just about preserving trails—it’s about cultivating respect, connection, and care for the natural world.