When visiting our national parks, there are a few easy tips you can use to help keep them pristine and make your impact as light as possible. First, always stick to the marked trails; when you go "off-trail," you risk crushing vegetation and creating other unintentional damage. Also, consider visiting when it isn't peak season for park visitation; a high influx of people can strain the landscape and overall infrastructure of the park.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Nobody wants to hit a deer while driving a car, and the reality is that avoiding a collision with the first deer often leads to a collision with a second deer. Research says that 70% of all deer-related car crashes occur because a driver slowed to avoid the deer they saw, then sped up again, failing to see the ones right behind them, resulting in a crash. Female deer often have one or two baby fawns -- some as big as an adult deer -- running right behind them. When you see one deer, slow down and drive at a crawl while scanning the road sides until you know the coast is clear.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Planning a road trip? Why not make the journey more enjoyable and greener for yourself and your companions by doing one thing: providing reusable cups that can be used for hot and cold beverages. When you make pit stops, your group can use the cups to fill up without throwing away and purchasing more disposable ones. And once you arrive at your destination, your reusable cups can be cleaned and used during your stay and the drive back home.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION