DOOR COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A popular Door County recreational site is being honored for its work in promoting its natural beauty, along with a message about conservation.
The “Leave No Trace” spotlight is on Peninsula State Park.
From kayakers paddling along the shoreline at Nicolet Bay to hikers high atop the Eagle Tower nearby, Peninsula State Park is a very busy place.
“Door County is a very special place geographically, and our natural resources are not really matched anywhere else in the state,” said Morgan Rusnak, Destination Door County Community Engagement Manager.
The group Destination Door County worked with park officials to get Peninsula recognized for its work.
DNR Natural Resources Educator Krista Lutzke says the pandemic sent record crowds to the park. She says the group called “Leave No Trace” is there to help people enjoy nature responsibly.
“‘Leave No Trace’ ethics is kind of this ethos that our outdoor recreationists should really live by. The steps that an individual can take to help us prevent further damage to our public lands and preserve what we have. And it also provides opportunity and know how to engage with the outdoors and other outdoor recreationists.”
Garbage cans are close to the beach, and people are asked to stay on the trails.
“It gives you the best vantage point while protecting our local flora and fauna as well. So, the way we place our trails helps preserve those special species that call this place home,” said Lutzke.
Park leaders are celebrating Thursday through Saturday. Events include guided hikes, constructing a new trail and even picking up some trash.
“We can be the ones to be those role models for all of the people who also love Door County, along with the people who live here,” said Rusnak. “We’ve been weaving this into our marketing and into our messaging for a couple of years, so it’s really kind of cool to turn it into a hands-on weekend.”
About two million visitors each year spend some time in the park.
