When spring and summer are upon us, we often welcome the vacations, travel and carefree days ahead!  As you make fun and exciting plans, please remember to think about your actions and their impact on nature and wildlife.

For example, it never hurts to remind folks to be very careful when using a campfire.  Only build a campfire where they are permitted and always be aware of the weather and wind conditions.  When you are done with the fire, properly douse the flame and sift through the ashes with water and any sort of rake.  Do make sure that the embers are totally out before you leave the site.

Weddings and other galas have become the scene for balloon releases in recent years.  If you have the opportunity, try and convince attendees not to release helium balloons into the air.  All balloons eventually must land and many fall into our waterways.  They can be deadly to mammals and fish if they are mistaken for food.  Try and keep balloons inside and instead of sending balloons off to celebrate an event, throw birdseed instead!

Please encourage children not to litter, even with the smallest piece of trash.  Many critters will try to eat garbage and this is neither healthy nor safe for the animals.  Wildlife rehabilitators are constantly tasked with trying to help animals who only wanted what they thought was a special treat.  Skunks and raccoons suffocate and die when their heads become caught inside yogurt containers.  Soda six-pack rings are infamous for the thousands of animals they have killed as the rings slowly strangle the unfortunate victim.  Be responsible and properly dispose of trash even if it is not yours!

And remember the wise old adage, Leave only footprints, and take only photographs.