Leave No Trace Guidelines
Be good stewards of the outdoors and our partners’ property!
As Chestnut members, we need to be models of behavior for the mission we seek. We need to do our part and help maintain and enhance our vanishing landscapes and ecosystems. And we need to be environmentally aware and responsible painters and respect nature and the property on which we are allowed to paint.
When we paint outside, whether in a public park, on private land, or on the grounds of an historic landmark, we need to be good stewards of our natural surroundings by committing to do the following:
• Take everything you bring in -- and leave everything as you found it. Leave rocks, plants, and limbs where they are -- let your brush make changes on your canvas if something needs to be moved or altered.
• Stay on designated routes and tread lightly. Leave gates as you found them, and avoid trampling on vegetation where you set up to paint.
• Attach a trash bag to your easel or tripod to contain all of your trash, especially paper towels or oil rags that you use for cleaning your brushes or general cleanup. When you leave, pack your trash bag and dispose of it properly at home.
• Never dump solvent, medium, paint or related toxic materials onto the ground or into streams or lakes.
• When painting on public or private property or on historic landmark premises, always use the restroom facilities that are available.
• When restrooms are not available, and for overnight or longer painting excursions, be responsible and follow the guidelines listed under the “Leave No Trace” Seven Principles.
Related Etiquette For all Chestnut Group
Please be sure to review and closely follow all guidelines and stipulations related to painting and paint outs on other people’s or partners’ property.
In some instances, we can just show up and paint with few restrictions. In other instances, we may need to check in with someone on site and obtain a pass, or show a Chestnut hat or button, or follow some other procedure.
Property owners and organizations vary in their requirements for painting on their property, and we should always fully understand and follow the rules that are established for us. Look for these rules and guidelines when events, or details about events or paint outs, are announced on our website.
Outside of organized Chestnut paint outs and other related activities where we have been granted permission to paint, Chestnut painters should never go onto a property owner’s or partner’s property without prior permission. Please check with our President if you have any questions about this.
When possible, make a special effort to personally thank the individuals who have made it possible for Chestnuts to paint on their property. It’s a small gesture that will be greatly appreciated by those who share their property with us.
As Chestnut members, each of us needs to be responsible for following these guidelines -- not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because we want to be invited back again and again.
