Iola Elementary students hike the trails at Lehigh Portland State Park Friday morning. There were 99 students participating in the hike as a part of the National Park Book Club.
IES librarian Tammy Prather noted that the students participating had read at least 10 National Park books, becoming members of the club with their achievement.
The hike was led by the school’s physical education teachers, who spoke to students about the Leave No Trace (LNT) principles — seven, science-based, minimum-impact guidelines designed to protect natural spaces by minimizing human damage.
They include planning ahead, traveling/camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste, leaving what you find, minimizing fire impact, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of others.
