It’s a beautiful spring, and that means our trails are calling. The snow is melting, the wildflowers are starting to peek out, and everyone wants to get into the Gallatin Gateway. And that’s wonderful! We all moved here for the lifestyle, after all.

But I’ve been noticing some things out there, and I feel like it’s my duty to say something. I was up on the M Trail last Saturday, enjoying the crisp morning air and the views of the valley. It was just perfect.

Then, I saw it. A group of folks with their dogs, and not a single leash in sight. Now, I love dogs! Who doesn’t? But the trail rules are there for a reason, people. Not everyone wants a slobbery greeting from a strange dog, no matter how friendly. And what about the deer? We’re in their home, and we need to respect that.

It’s not just the dogs, either. I saw someone leave a plastic water bottle right by a switchback. A water bottle! It takes less than five seconds to put it back in your backpack. Our natural spaces are precious, and they won’t stay beautiful if we don’t take care of them.

We are so lucky to live in a place with such incredible access to nature. It’s a privilege, really. Let’s all do our part to keep it that way for everyone, and for the wildlife. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way.

Tammy Switchback moved to Bozeman in 2019, which she considers early enough to have opinions. She hikes recreationally and judges others for how they do it.