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TO BE A TRAIL AMBASSADOR

Trail Ambassador is a pompus name for a humble job aiming at helping people enjoy Nature safely while respecting her. It serves its purpose when done on a popular trail such as Beehive Basin above Big Sky resort. 

So, there I was last Saturday, July 6th. First positive point, I did not see any litter, people understand to pack their trash. No dog’s feces either, which is a touchy subject in a dogs-loving country.  The trail is wider in places because of a heavy foot traffic. Encouraging people to stay on the trail is helping not making it worse. 

In general, the morning hikers are experienced, moving fast and coming down before noon. The majority of hikers start around 11AM or later, therefore arriving at the pond around 1PM or later, which makes them more vulnerable to changes  in the weather. I saw people carrying water and rain gear and other ones having nothing, although we were under pretty black clouds. “Teenagers are a world of their own,” as a Venezuelan mom told me, but a gentleman actually thanked me for the advice to carry a minimum. 

There were many groups of 7-8 people, obviously tourists staying in the resort. They tend to be chatty, loud, one gentleman was on the phone, two had music playing. Noise pollution isn’t a topic addressed enough I think. Being unconscious of our surrondings, of others, is a common behavior in our society. Would it be great if hearing birds singing, creeks running and wind blowing could help awaken a real connection to the natural world and develop listening skills? I don’t hesitate being a little provocative and asking hikers why they don’t enjoy the sounds of Nature. The response has been, “They do, and it’s more a habit they will be more mindful of.” I am greateful for this.

All of us can become more aware of our interconnection with Nature everyday. Trail Ambassador is not being a policeman towards tourists, but more about sharing my Love of Nature and inspiring others to be more conscious.