It’s no secret that locals + visitors alike love Winston-Salem's vibrant outdoor scene. From green spaces within the city to forests and rivers to explore nearby, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with nature in Twin City.

The state of North Carolina received $54.9 million to advance trail and greenway infrastructure in the state from the General Assembly during their October meeting. In honor of Great Trails State Day this Saturday, Oct. 21, here are some best practices to keep in mind when interacting with the earth around us.

Pick up trash

If you come across some trash while out on your nature adventure, gently pick it up. Same goes for our neighborhoods; if you really want to keep the streets clean for both aesthetic purposes and residential wildlife health, you can partner up with Keep Winston-Salem Beautiful either as a volunteer or as a sponsor.

Ditch the single-use plastic

Bring your water + snacks in reusable containers. Single-use plastic water bottles or bags that end up in our waterways are damaging to the environment. Register to join Piedmont Environmental Alliance to discover diverse landscapes in the region + learn about how you can be environmentally conscious at Reynolda House Museum.

Stay on the trail

On your next walking trail, make sure to stay on clearly marked trails to help keep the areas off-trail preserved. Apply the “leave no trace” principle to help make conscious decisions that serve to lessen our impact on nature.

Don't feed wildlife

Feeding wildlife can cause them to suffer nutritionally or become dependent on unreliable food sources. It’s best to leave our furry and finned friends alone. If you come across one of them, here are some friendly techniques to keep in mind.