Mitchell, Oregon - The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and its Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers team are partnering with John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. On August 30th and 31st, they will be hosting several events free and open to the public to help raise awareness on how to preserve and protect Painted Hills from excessive trash and trail erosion.
Leave No Trace selected the Painted Hills Unit of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument as a ‘Hot Spot’ in the nation to help raise awareness among local patrons about outdoor recreation ethics in natural areas. Superintendent Patrick Gamman says, “We are happy to partner with Leave No Trace to help us care for the park. Painted Hills is a fantastic, photogenic Wonder of Oregon. Help us keep it this way by learning how you can help protect this magical place."
The following events are free and open to the public. People of all ages are encouraged to attend.
Friday, August 30: Painted Hills Unit, Mitchell OR.
Social Media Blitz. Throughout the day, take a selfie at Painted Hills and blast social media with proper outdoor ethics while using the hashtag #DontHurtTheDirt.
Photography Hike at Carroll Rim: From 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm. Bring your camera and hike the Carroll Rim trail with a park ranger to explore Leave No Trace principles while photographing the sunset. The trail climbs over 400 feet in elevation to a panorama view of Painted Hills. Reservations required and the hike is limited to 15 people; call 541-987-2333 or email joda_interpretation@nps.gov.
Night Sky Program: From 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm. Meet at the Painted Hills Overlook trail and enjoy night sky viewing with telescopes. Bring a light jacket and flashlight.
Saturday, August 31: Painted Hills Festival, Mitchell, OR. From 9:30 until 5:00 pm. Visit the park and partner booths at the Painted Hills Festival. Participate in educational activities for all ages designed to preserve and protect Painted Hills for generations to come.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
