

TRASHSQUATCH ASKS YOU TO Leave It Better Than You Found It
Transylvania County is over 50% public land. In 2020, we created the “Leave It Better” initiative to protect and preserve our pristine forests and waterways for future generations. We even have our very own forest steward roaming the county. “Trashsquatch,” a mythical forest dweller, formed out of litter left by visitors to his home, asks public land users to “Leave It Better” and make trash as difficult to find as he is. While you may not see him in the woods, “Trashsquatch” has become a popular mascot for the campaign. Be on the lookout around Brevard and Transylvania County for glimpses of him promoting this important campaign. The next time you venture out and see trash in our public lands or waterways, just ask yourself: What would Trashsquatch do?
Leave It Better Checklist
Pick It Up.
Bring a trash bag and pick up not just what you packed in, but all that you see. Millions of pounds of trash are left behind in our public lands every year. Keep an eye out for litter and be sure to come prepared with gloves and trash bags to assist with safe collection.
Pitch In.
For every 10 hours you spend in the great outdoors, give one hour of service or make a donation to an organization that supports public lands. Balancing the amount of time spent enjoying the outdoors with time spent giving back will not only reduce your impact, but the impact of others. Find a local organization that focuses on an issue that resonates with you and volunteer or provide a donation to make a difference.
Prepare Yourself.
Educate yourself on local rules, safety regulations and trail policies before you visit public lands. Leaving it better starts before your visit. Prepare yourself by checking trail closures and weather on the day of your trip as well as packing your bag with the necessary gear to be safe and minimize your impact. Research to avoid crowded areas and explore new experiences off the beaten path.
Protect Habitats.
Avoid disturbing any natural habitats or wildlife. Any significant changes to natural habitats alters their ecology and endangers the lives of native species. Do not stack rocks, build dams or create any other unnecessary disturbances to nature and encourage others to do the same.
Politeness, Please.
Be courteous and patient with others you may encounter on the trail with a focus on being a shining example of your user group. There are a wide variety of activities enjoyed by visitors to public lands. Practicing trail courtesy and being mindful of best practices are vital to ensuring that everyone has an enjoyable experience. Be courteous and serve as a positive ambassador for your user group to minimize conflict.
Preach What You Practice.
Teach others to Leave It Better by being an advocate in person and on social media. Achieving a better future for our public lands starts with you, but sharing this philosophy with your friends and family will amplify your impact. Advocate for public lands while you’re out enjoying them. If someone sees you setting an example, it will motivate them to follow in your footsteps.
En Español
Lista de Verificación Leave It Better
Recógelo.
Traiga una bolsa de basura y recoja no sólo lo que trajiste, sino también todo lo que veas. Dejamos millones de kilos de basura en lugares públicos cada año. Eche un vistazo a la basura que vea y venga preparado con guantes y bolsas de basura para recogerla de forma segura.
Echa Una Mano.
Por cada 10 horas que pase en nuestros parajes al aire libre, de una hora de servicio o haga una donación a una organización que apoye los lugares públicos. Haciendo un balance de la cantidad de tiempo que pasamos disfrutando al aire libre con el tiempo que pasamos devolviéndoselo a la naturaleza no solo reducirá tu impacto sino también el de otras personas. Encuentre una organización local que se centre en algún problema que te sientas identificado y se voluntario o haz una donación para marcar la diferencia.
Prepárate.
Edúcate con normas locales, regulaciones de seguridad y la política de caminos antes de visitar lugares públicos. Dejándolo mejor comienza antes de tu visita. Prepárate comprobando el horario de cierre de los caminos y el tiempo que haga el día de su viaje así como preparar la bolsa con todas las cosas que necesite y minimizar su impacto en la naturaleza. Investigue para evitar áreas que haya mucha gente y explore nuevas experiencias fuera del camino marcado.
Protege Los Habitats.
Evite molestar cualquier hábitat natural o fauna que haya. Cualquier cambio significante en hábitats naturales altera su ecología y pone en peligro la vida de especies nativas. No apiles rocas, no construyas presas o crees molestias innecesarias al medio ambiente y anima a los demás a hacer lo mismo.
Educación, Por Favor.
Se educado y paciente con las personas que puedas encontrar por el camino centrándonos en dar ejemplo en el grupo que estemos. Hay una variedad inmensa de actividades para divertirse en lugares públicos. Practicar la cortesía en los caminos y dar buen ejemplo, son vitales para asegurarnos que cualquiera persona tenga una experiencia maravillosa. Se amable y da ejemplo como embajador de buenas practicas en tu mismo grupo para minimizar cualquier conflicto.
Predica Lo Que Practicas.
Enseña a los demás a “Leave it Better” siendo un ejemplo en persona y en redes sociales. Asegurarnos de un futuro mejor para nuestros lugares públicos comienza contigo, pero compartiendo esta filosofía con tus amigos y familia será de mucho más impacto. Defiende los lugares públicos mientras disfrutas de ellos. Si alguien te ve dando ejemplo, les motivará a seguir tus pasos.
Trail Advisory
After Helene, many trails across our public lands — including DuPont, Pisgah, and Gorges — have been impacted. Visitors may encounter erosion, uneven surfaces, or narrowed trail treads. Land managers are working hard to restore these areas, but your care makes a difference.
Please tread lightly, allow extra time for your adventures, and plan alternative routes when needed. Let’s all do our part to protect and preserve these special places.

Pick It Up!
Be on the lookout for Trashsquatch throughout Transylvania County reminding residents and visitors alike to Leave it Better. Stop by the Visitor Center today at: 175 E. Main Street, Brevard NC, to receive a free sticker or poster when you tell the folks at the front desk, “I pledge to Leave it Better.”


Explore More
Learn more about our other important messaging campaign, Be Waterfall Wise, as well as our natural resource stewardship program, Transylvania Always.