Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time.

This slogan is associated with the Baltimore Grotto, a local chapter of the National Speleological Society (a caving organization). It functions as an ethical reminder for cave exploration and outdoor recreation, emphasizing minimal impact: do not remove natural or cultural materials, do not damage fragile cave formations or ecosystems, and do not disturb wildlife. Such mottos circulated widely among caving clubs in the late 20th century alongside broader “leave no trace” and conservation messaging, and were often printed on club materials (newsletters, trip handouts, patches) to reinforce responsible behavior during group trips and training.

The line is built on parallel imperatives that define ethical recreation by limiting one’s impact. “Take nothing but pictures” rejects collecting artifacts or formations; “Leave nothing but footprints” urges minimal physical disturbance and no litter; “Kill nothing but time” extends the ethic to living creatures and frames the outing as leisure rather than conquest. The phrasing turns restraint into a positive identity: the responsible visitor is a witness, not an extractor. In caves—where damage can be irreversible and ecosystems are specialized—the motto underscores that enjoyment depends on preservation, and that the most meaningful “trophy” is memory and documentation rather than possession.