Vitalistic Wellness: Community Cleanup Hike for Latino Conservation Week 2024
On September 20th, 2024, Vitalistic Wellness Institute hosted a community cleanup hike at Jump Creek Falls as part of Latino Conservation Week (LCW), with the goal of preserving the beauty of this treasured outdoor space. We had an incredible turnout with 20 students from Skyview High School's Future Hispanic Leaders of America (FHLA) program, as well as members of the Idaho Hispanic Foundation (IHF), all united as a community with one goal: to keep our parks and communities clean.
What is Latino Conservation Week?
Latino Conservation Week was created to encourage Latino communities to get outdoors and participate in activities that protect our natural resources. Throughout the country, organizations host events such as hiking, camping, community discussions, and more. These efforts not only promote conservation within local communities but also provide a platform for Latinos to show their support for protecting our land, water, and air.
Focus on Leave No Trace Principles
At the heart of our cleanup was an important conversation about the Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, which guide outdoor enthusiasts on how to minimize their impact on the environment. Our main focus for the event was the principle Pack it in, Pack it out—a reminder that whatever we bring into nature, we must take back out with us. This simple yet powerful action helps preserve natural spaces for future generations.
Here are the 7 Leave No Trace principles that we discussed:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare – Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you're visiting.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces – Stick to established trails and campsites to avoid damaging natural landscapes.
- Dispose of Waste Properly (Pack it in, Pack it out) – Take all trash with you, including food scraps and biodegradable materials.
- Leave What You Find – Preserve the past; don’t pick plants or disturb wildlife.
- Minimize Campfire Impact – If fires are allowed, use small sticks and keep fires minimal.
- Respect Wildlife – Observe animals from a distance, never feed them, and protect their natural habitat.
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors – Keep noise levels low and respect the experience of fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
We also shared some eye-opening facts about how long it takes for everyday items to decompose when left in nature:
- Vegetables: 5 days to 1 month
- Aluminum cans: 80–100 years
- Glass bottles: 1 million years
- Cigarette butts: 18 months to 10 years
- Plastic bags: 500 years to forever
- Disposable diapers: 400 years
These facts reinforced the importance of removing all waste from natural areas, as even small items can have a lasting impact on the environment.
A Community Effort
This cleanup was made possible by the enthusiastic support of our community. The Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, which organized Idaho’s Latino Conservation Week, provided vital supplies like trash pickers, gloves, and trash bags. Ryan from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), who manages the Jump Creek Falls area, generously brought water, additional trash bags, and t-shirts for National Public Lands Day (Sept. 28th). He shared his knowledge of the area and helped guide participants throughout the cleanup. Eva from Super Nutrition provided snack bars, and Vitalistic Wellness supplied PB&J sandwiches and fresh fruit to refuel everyone once we reached the waterfall.
Leaving a Lasting Impact
This event not only helped to clean up Jump Creek Falls but also left a lasting impression on everyone involved. Through this hands-on experience, participants learned the value of preserving natural spaces and the impact that small, mindful actions can have on the environment.
We’re incredibly grateful to the students, volunteers, and organizations that joined forces to make this event a success. Let’s continue working together to protect and enjoy these beautiful spaces! Follow us on social media @vitalistic.wellness to stay updated on future community events and conservation efforts.
To see more highlights from our Jump Creek Falls cleanup hike, check out the full gallery here. The photos, taken by Efrain, our Wellness Manager, capture the beauty of the day and the amazing community effort that went into protecting our local environment.
