Lead Nature Walks

Are you interested in leading a group walk through a natural setting? Understanding the ins and outs of this ability is useful for those working as guides, for nature park docents or volunteers, and even for those in charge of ensuring the success of family outings. This article explains the simple steps required to capture your group's attention in a safe and educational way.

Steps

 * 1) Read up about the local plants and animals that live in your area. Field guides are a good introduction to acquiring this skill set. So is tapping the wisdom of long-time naturalists who might live nearby.
 * 2) [[Image:Token Creek Nature Walk 9418.jpg|200px|right]] Take a hike through the area beforehand and note any unusual features about the area. Are there nests to observe or evidence of animal activity (beaver damage to trees along a riverbank for example)?
 * 3) On the day of the tour, gather your group and assess their physical limitations if any. Will the weather impact slipperiness of trails? Is there a more comfortable, safer alternate?
 * 4) [[Image:Whitneyville walk March 15, 2009 006 1912.jpg|200px|right]] Introduce yourself. Provide your group with a brief explanation of the planned walk. Give out maps if relevant. Point out comfort facilities; it is a good idea to suggest a rest stop before heading off. If you have any heavy props to show, this is a good time to do it (to avoid carrying them, or forgetting them at the end of the walk).
 * 5) Have the members of the group introduce themselves to one another. This way they can get to feel comfortable around one another quickly.
 * 6)  [[Image:Nature Walks Fall 1582.jpg|200px|right]]Ask members of your group to let you know what they would be most interested in viewing, for example, edible plants, birds, nests, burrows, medicinal plants, etc. You can then tailor the hike as much as possible to their interests.
 * 7) [[Image:Nature walk shrimp exoskeleton 2199.jpg|200px|right]] Find out if anyone is phobic about snakes, spiders, insects or any other animals that you may see on your hike. You may actually be able to help them face their fears if you show them how to correctly handle the animals. At the very least, provide appropriate reassurances as to the group's safety.
 * 8) During the tour, ask questions, don't talk at people. Engage them by pointing out a few things and then let them take it from there. Be open to questions.
 * 9)  [[Image:Everybody starts walking 7654.jpg|200px|right]]Collect your walk items. Ensure that all your other carry items are with you, such as demonstration props, and essentials such as First Aid, maps, two-way radio, water, snacks, etc. When it's time to set off on the walk - either lead the way or point the way where appropriate.
 * 10) [[Image:Nature walk materials 6843.jpg|200px|right]]Give presentations where appropriate during the walk. When you make your stop to wait for the group to catch up, adjust your position so that you are positioned in the middle of the group.  With you at the middle of the group, the whole group has a better chance of hearing your talk and seeing any activity.
 * 11) [[Image:3rd Take a walk in the park 6510.jpg|200px|right]]Be aware that there will always be stragglers. If you're leading without others, take a head count and silently add up the numbers at regular intervals. If you're lucky enough to be a leader with a few sweepers, use the sweepers to check if everyone has arrived at a stop. One of the sweepers can always be elected to return to base if needed, without disrupting the whole group. If you have a very large group that feels unwieldy in terms of managing, it might be better to break this large group into smaller groups, making sure to keep people with their family/friend groupings.
 * 12) [[Image:East Machiasport Beach Walk to the Petroglyphs August 10, 2008 7936.jpg|200px|right]]Prefer frequent shorter stops over longer, less frequent stops. When you have a group of mixed fitness, interest levels, and stamina, it is best to make stops short and frequent, so as to maintain the group's attention.
 * 13) Children are amazingly observant - and they usually are more interested in animals than plants and other non-moving things, so if they're along, focus on their interests too!
 * 14) [[Image:Last Walk in Moose Hill 8748.jpg|200px|right]]Allow time for photo-taking. Depending on the length of the walk, drink and refreshment breaks will also need to be considered. Find clean, dry, sturdy logs, mossy or grass patches, etc. to sit on for a rest where needed.
 * 15) When the tour is completed, ask people what their favorite part was and note that for your next field outing.
 * 16) [[Image:Eastport area. Shackford Head beach walk and clean up September 13, 2009 4938.jpg|200px|right]] Finish with a stirring message that recaps the experience. Ensure that it includes conservation messages that draw on what the group has seen, so that their experience informs them about the future opportunities for stewardship that they might be able to participate in directly too.
 * 17)  Familiarize yourself with the principles of Leave No Trace so as to avoid preventable impacts on the terrain, creatures, and artifacts you may see.  Use teachable moments so that your group will understand the concepts and practices that will keep the area pristine so that other visitors may enjoy the area as much as they do.

Tips

 * [[Image:Butterfly 5629.jpg|200px|right]] Don't forget to point out wildlife at a child's level if children are coming along. There are many creatures and plants at their level that they can spot for themselves if given the knowledge.
 * It is very important to tailor length of the walk and roughness of terrain in accordance with the abilities, stamina, and health of your group. For example, an elderly group or pale office workers would probably be happier keeping to maintained paths and a shorter distance, whereas people who are keen on outdoor activities may expect rougher terrain and longer distances. Judge by what you know of the group members, the time allotted or expected, and asking them!
 * Educate your charges especially in sensitive environments not to touch anything unless cleared. This is particularly important when deep in the jungle.

Warnings

 * Avoid taking your group near poisonous plants that can be brushed against, wasps or other biting insects, and ticks, etc. Use common sense.
 * Use sunscreen lotion and insect repellent. Take extra sunscreen, water and band-aids just in case.
 * Be cautious when teaching about edible plants. Amateurs may or may not know the difference on their own, whatever their age. Always underline the dangers of what can happen if the plant is mistaken.
 * Be aware of dangerous wildlife. Even a crow can cause extensive damage when its nest is threatened.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Be Prepared for a Hike
 * How to Pack for a Backpacking Trip
 * How to Hike Mt Monadnock Via the White Arrow Trail
 * How to Care for Hiking Boots