Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Education?

I recently attended a "Kids in Nature" conference organized by the National Wildlife Federation on Earth Day. The forum was held at the EPA building in downtown Denver and involved a panel of speakers that included: college professors, health care professionals, educators, urban planners and non-profit directors.

Like many discussions/events/conferences held nationally about this issue, the intent was to paint "nature-deficit disorder" as more than a simple disconnect from the outdoors, but as a health issue, an education issue, a social issue, as well as a cultural one.

One of the most compelling points was made by Lt. Governor, Barbara O'Brien, a long time affiliate of the Colorado Children's Campaign.

Her question "What is goal of public education?" brings an important point to the forefront.
Is the purpose of education to:

a) Provide skills and training that will result in productive adults
b) Create well-rounded global citizens
c) Both

On an even bigger scope, how is the disconnect from nature inversely related to the "connection" to technology and are kids missing some developmental milestones along the way? For example, a recent study has shown that kids may be even missing important social cues from peers (i.e. saying hello to each other in the halls) because they are so "plugged in".

At any rate, the event served to initiate some good food for thought and connect and empower Colorado community members who are all struggling with the same questions, specifically how to provide these key outdoor experiences for all youth.


Monday, April 28, 2008

Visiting America's National Parks


Between 1923 and 2007, annual visits to America’s national parks grew from 1.5 million to 275 million. It’s no wonder why–our national parks are truly amazing places! If you’re a well-seasoned park visitor you already know why these places are so special. If you’ve never experienced a national park, don’t wait any longer. The National Park Service manages 56 national parks and an additional 300+ park service units such as national monuments, historic sites, battlefields, wild rivers, long-distance trails and national seashores. With so many options, a little preplanning will go a long way towards ensuring a great visit to one of these treasures.

The best place to start is the National Park Service website: www.NPS.gov. The site allows users to access information about every Park Service unit in the country. The information on the site is organized into four main categories: Parks & Recreation, History & Culture, Nature & Science and Interpretation & Education. Additionally, each Park Service unit has its own website that provides in-depth information, area maps, lists of activities and education programs, and tips on planning your visit. Most national parks have a visitor center that you can call to speak with a ranger about the area. You can also have the Park Service send you maps and other information to help you plan your visit.

There are several things to consider when deciding which national park to visit:
  • What activities are you interested in? Hiking, rafting, camping, fishing, bird watching, auto touring, snowshoeing, horseback What time of year will you be visiting, and what will the weather be like?
  • How much time will you have? One day or a week?
  • Are there entrance fees? If so, how much? 
  • Does the park offer ranger-led activities, hikes and education programs?
  • Where will you stay in the area? 
  • If you plan on camping, do you need reservations or a permit?
  • Are there particular wildlife considerations for the area? 

Planning your visit to a national park is easy and fun. By doing a little research, such as visiting the National Park Service website or calling a visitor center for information, you can be prepared, knowledgeable and ready experience all that our national parks have to offer.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Talking about a Greenolution

You can’t walk out the door these days with out being bombarded with an advertising message about how “green” so and so company has become. Or how “green” so and so company has always been. Every magazine I have opened in the past few months is celebrating their “green” issue. Don’t get me wrong – I think it’s great, truly! That said, however, being an environmentalist today can be confusing stuff. Embracing Green – and all of her friends, Sustainability, Eco-friendly, Carbon Offsets, Carbon Footprint, Climate Change, etc. (you get the idea) is anything but straightforward.

Perhaps the best approach to becoming “green” is similar to the one we encourage here at Leave No Trace. You start at a place where you feel comfortable and advance from there. For many people, Leave No Trace is nothing more than packing their granola bar wrapper and runny nose tissue out from a day hike. Similarly, becoming “green” can simply be recycling or switching regular light bulbs to fluorescents.

We hope that when people gain more knowledge and outdoor experiences, they will continue to embrace Leave No Trace and take on more of the skills needed to minimize their impact as they enjoy their various outdoor pursuits. This will likely happen with the Green Revolution as we learn more and more about the impact that each of us has just living our normal daily lives. Through our collective efforts with Leave No Trace or small changes to become more green, each person’s actions really can make a positive difference. So embrace both, starting at your own comfort level and taking it from there.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Leave No Trace at Dirt Days for Earth Day

This past Saturday I had a nostalgic experience in the world of Leave No Trace – my “First Anniversary Event.” Exactly one year ago, I participated in a local Earth Day event, Dirt Days, after having only been working at Leave No Trace for 3 days.

Having come full circle after a year of work at Leave No Trace, including participation in other events, and even attending and completing a Master Educator course, I can say that this year’s Dirt Days event was a fantastic occasion to use as a one-year marker.

After a delicious breakfast at the Farmer’s Market, my colleague, Catherine Smith, and I spent a beautiful, blue-sky day on the lawn of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), which plays host to this event each year. Organized in conjunction with the Boulder Adventure Film Festival, Dirt Days seems to get bigger, more successful, and more fun for the entire community each year.

There is something to be said for seeing the pure enjoyment on kids’ faces as they explore the outdoors. Hundreds of examples crossed our paths on Saturday, some with faces brightly painted, others plunging seeds in biodegradable planters, and some careening along a designated trail fitted with a pack holding 10 percent of their body weight. Not to mention, several kids with chocolate from cookies baked in a solar oven smeared all over their face (usually matching the chocolate on their parents’ faces, as well).

Even better is seeing the lasting result of this exposure and new appreciation for the outdoors. Shortly after the event ended, I found myself running on a trail near my neighborhood. Up ahead of me were two girls and a boy, who were trading a single pack amongst them and practicing running down the middle of the trail, negotiating the rocks, and communicating their quick approach to others (over and over again). Off the back of their small pack was a Leave No Trace Kids Reference Card – a bright yellow reminder for kids on how to play outside, responsibly. I couldn’t help but smile and give them all high fives as we passed each other.



-Sara Close

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Guest Blogger: Mark Weintraub

Hello from New York. My name is Mark Weintraub and I’m a board member – and have been for almost three years. Though all the other board members make fun of me because I don’t exactly live in the backcountry — I still manage do my fair share of hiking in my own version of the front country. You see — I live in Irvington, NY — about 15 miles north of New York City on the Hudson River. One of our local outdoor treasures we’re blessed with is the Croton Aqueduct trail that runs from Croton to Yonkers, NY – right along the Lower part of the Hudson River where the aqueduct used to be. The trail is perfect for hiking and biking. My idea of a fun afternoon with my kids, Jake and Lexi (see attached extra cute picture) is a hike from my house a few miles to Dobbs Ferry for a slice of pizza – and then back. No risk of life or limb or bear attack, but it does give me a chance to pass along some of the Leave No Trace principles when my kids want to drift from the trail or ask why they can’t drop an apple core for the deer to eat.


The picture you see above was taken last summer on Fire Island — just off the coast of New York’s Long Island— another relatively local outdoor treasure. For us, Fire Island was a chance to leave cars behind for two weeks. During the ‘season’ no non-emergency cars are allowed to drive on the island. It’s an excuse to ride bikes or walk — or just to slow down a bit. We woke up and went to sleep to the sounds of waves crashing. Jake learned to ride a two-wheeler for real – and Lexi got even more confident on her training wheels. And for a family that’s as pale as can be, we managed to dodge sunburn for most of the trip. I recommend Fire Island to anyone looking a unique outdoors-focused experience — just a short train ride from New York City.

That’s the latest from New York.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Minnesota High Schoolers Leave No Trace


It seems as though every day this month, someone around here has relayed an inspiring story about a person or organization doing something extraordinary with Leave No Trace. A recent example is out of Minnesota — SALT, partnership between Edina High School and Volunteers of America Education Center. The program focuses on building relationships with young people from different backgrounds using high adventure activities to teach leadership and service.

SALT's recent online newsletter arrived in our inboxes recently, full of incredible stories of service, outdoor adventures, clean ups and more. Virtually every story included a description of how the students, adult leaders and volunteer mentors incorporated Leave No Trace into their outings in innovative ways. If you want to learn more about SALT visit: www.voaec.org/salt/

Monday, April 21, 2008

Leave No Trace Skills and Ethics Sale!


Ever wanted to round out your Leave No Trace knowledge? Now you easily can with one or all of the 16 Skills and Ethics booklets in the series. Each is approx. 24 – 28 pages focusing on Leave No Trace principles and techniques for 1 of 9 specific geographic areas or 1 of 7 specific activities.


Regularly $2.95, now $2.05 each through April 30th. Or for the educator or enthusiast looking to fully round out their knowledge, or have available a comprehensive Leave No Trace resource, buy the “Library” (one of each booklet) and get all 16 for the price of 10.

Call 1-800-332-4100 or visit the online store to order.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Looking for State Advocates

Have you recently found yourself on a hike, bike ride or camping trip wondering off into deep thought about getting more involved in the Leave No Trace Program? Are you a leader who is looking for more ways to give back to your community? Are you visiting this blog right now because you are curious how you can do more? If you answered yes to any of these questions then now is your chance. We are looking for volunteer State Advocates in Arizona, Alaska, South Dakota, Nebraska, Michigan and New Hampshire. If you live in one of these states and would like to learn more about the State Advocate Program, contact me at dave@LNT.org

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Goodbye Leave No Trace!

Today is my last day interning at the Leave No Trace office, tomorrow I am starting a new job as an Outdoor Education Instructor with a Boulder outdoor adventure organization.  My internship really flew by!  I learned so many new things about Leave No Trace, and got to work with an office of great people!  I can't wait to pass on my new Leave No Trace knowledge to the kids I will be working with throughout this next year.  Interning at Leave No Trace was definitely a great way to end out my college experience and really earn my Outdoor Recreation degree!  Goodbye, and see you guys around!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

"A River Runs Through It"

This upcoming weekend, staff at the Center for Outdoor Ethics will be participating in several different events to promote Earth Day.

One such event that I'll be attending is the 2nd annual S. Platte River Clean Up presented by Down River Equipment, Confluence Kayaks, and KEEN

The South Platte runs through Denver and development along the downtown portion has grown significantly since I was a kid. However, the City of Denver has made great strides in setting aside green space and preserving historic architecture as this development occurred.

In addition to the flagship REI store being centrally located here, there are old warehouses turned into urban living spaces, a community dog park, outdoor concert space, a skate park and bike/pedestrian trails.

On any given weekend day in the Spring/Summer, you will witness people running, biking, walking their dogs, kayaking, and on especially hot days, families splashing around in the water at Confluence Park. 

The space is a real cross-section of culture and has something for just about everybody, regardless of age or outdoor interest. 

Earth Day celebrations such as this are an example of how we can still strive to maintain the ecological integrity of our urban recreational lands, as well as our backcountry ones.

For more information, visit the South Platte River Initiative.

Spirit of Cooperation

I work at Leave No Trace part-time and I am a full time graduate student at University of Colorado-Denver. Over the course of the past semester I have come to appreciate the spirit of cooperation between myself, my classmates, and professors. It is refreshing to walk into class knowing that there will not be a spirit of competition, but a willingness to work together so that the class as a whole succeeds. 


I believe the same thing should be happening between outdoor enthusiasts. Even though we all have different sports that are true to our hearts, and we want the best for those sports, we have to remember to keep a spirit of cooperation within our community. This insures that we do not compete against one another, but work together to protect and improve our public lands. this willingness to work together, just like in my classes, would insure that we as a whole benefit!

Monday, April 14, 2008

Insurance for Master Educators

Tis the season for Leave No Trace Trainer Courses, which means that it's also time to make sure that you have the proper liability insurance for running courses. Insurance is required for any Master Educator who is offering 2-day Leave No Trace Trainer courses as outlined in the Leave No Trace National Training Guidelines.

Per the National Leave No Trace Training Guidelines:

Insurance: Independent Contractor (Master Educator) agrees to secure an occurrence based comprehensive general liability policy in amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate, for bodily injuries and property damage. Independent Contractor agrees that this liability insurance policy will include 1) an endorsement naming the Center as an additional insured, and 2) a waiver of subrogation in favor of the Center (the insurance company waives any right to seek reimbursement from the Center). The Center’s position as an additional insured will include full coverage for the Center, whether or not the events activating a claim emanate from the Center’s, Independent Contractor’s or a third party(s)’ alleged acts, omissions or negligence. This insurance shall remain in effect for the duration of Independent Contractor’s provision of services, and continue to remain in effect regarding any occurrences related to the provision of services. Independent Contractor agrees to present the Center with proof of this insurance coverage, together with the endorsement naming the Center as an additional insured and the waiver of subrogation, 10 days prior to the provision of services. Independent Contractor shall give the Center 30 days’ written notice of any cancellation of this insurance.

How to obtain the necessary coverage

Insurance coverage may be obtained either through your own carrier or through the Leave No Trace No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics (the Center). The coverage through the Center costs $65 for a one-year period (from April of any given year to the following April) and places the individual under the Center’s policy as an additionally insured. An unlimited number of Trainer courses may be offered during the coverage year. (The liability insurance requirement does not apply to federal agency employees offering courses within their agency job capacity.) Contact the Center to obtain the necessary coverage: contact Kurt@LNT.org or call 1.800.332.4100 Payment can be made via credit card.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Beautiful.

Really Beautiful.

Not so Beautiful.

You don't have to think to hard about it to realize it hurts more than just the rock.
Leave What You Find.

Photos: A 360 degree view inside Colorado National Monument, Fruita, CO. 




Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Mud Season


As Kurt mentioned on Monday, we're on the cusp of spring here in Boulder. While that certainly brings warmer weather to the Front Range, it also brings mud! Whether you're on foot or bike, it's always a good idea to consider alternatives to a muddy trail:  choosing a different trail, waiting a day for the conditions to improve, or maybe choosing another activity.

Here's some information about mountain biking specifically - taken directly from the Leave No Trace Skills and Ethics Booklet for Mountain Biking:

"Riding on muddy trails is usually inappropriate and avoidable.  If you ride in mud, your bike will carry soil away, gouge the trail and speed the process of erosion ... If you come upon an isolated muddy patch, ride slowly through the middle of it.  Don't ride to the side, which widens the mudhole, damages vegetation, and creates more erosion."  

As you can see from the picture above, this hiking trail is getting wider and wider as users try to find drier ground.  If you're going to hike a muddy trail, plan ahead and bring durable hiking shoes so you can walk right through the mud easily.




Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Taking It Personally

By Rick Crosson
Vice President for Subaru of America and Chair of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics' Board of Directors

Think back to when you first saw something in nature that awed you. For me, no matter how many years go by (and it has been quite a few now), that first vision is still vivid and fresh.

It was during my youth. We were on a weeklong summer trip that this time included hiking and camping through a variety of settings - from a spring-fed, clear water river to grassy meadowlands to rugged hill tops. The 2,600 plus acre site was in the midst of the Texas Hill country on land called the Devil’s Backbone. It was hot and the stillness in the air added to the central Texas heat. As we made our way up an incline, we were focused on our shoes and just making it to the top of a hill. Suddenly, we crested a ridge and the vista popped open. A rugged landscape was visible for miles and miles. Interspersed were patches of green meadows and gorges where I imagined water was gurgling. The air was moving at the ridge top, and the sweat from the effort to get there, now cooled me down. I heard the breeze rustling through the cedar and other trees, and saw the birds floating freely up and down as they road the thermal air waves. It could be described as nothing less than breath taking. I realized how small I was in the whole scheme of the earth.

We were following established trails with clearly defined camp sites and cooking areas. Although I didn’t know it at the time, our leaders were following the seven principles of Leave No Trace. We planned and prepared for the trip. We camped on durable surfaces and minimized the impact of our campfires. We didn’t take souvenirs. We packed our waste in and out. We were careful in observing the wildlife and were mindful of the other groups also trekking.

Since then, I have had the wonderful opportunity to visit many parts of the United States and other countries. I have enjoyed unique places like Yellowstone and Petrified Forest and walked on a frozen over Walden Pond. I camped at Watkins Glen, walked parts of the Appalachian Trail in five different states, and visited the Outer Banks, the Amalfi coast, Caribbean reefs and most recently viewed wildlife in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. I felt a similar awe of nature and experienced the calmness that generates from the greatness in these environments.

I have been involved with Leave No Trace for almost five years as a board member and have the privilege to be Chairperson for this year and next. If someone asked me what is important about Leave No Trace and its mission, it would be those personal sights and lasting visions. Leave No Trace is a way to promote the responsible use and enjoyment of this beautiful land and the vistas to which we have been entrusted. It’s not about protecting or preserving the environment for me. Those words sound too restrictive. It is about allowing my children, and someday hopefully my grandchildren and their children, that same opportunity I had to be awed.

I believe that education and awareness is a key to that responsible use – teach the children, engaged the parents, show them how and the future will be bright. Leave No Trace is at the forefront of that education.

What is your first place of awe and wonder?

-RC

Monday, April 7, 2008

Spring is in the Air

Well actually it is snow today, but that is Spring in Boulder. My wife and I recently saw our first snake of the season out on the trail, and Saturday brought the first calf to our friend's farm. Spring in Boulder also means muddy trails.

On a recent hike, we laughed at the hiker controlled mud meter at the trailhead. From good to poor, it described the trail conditions to be found. On your way out, hikers were asked to update the sign with their observations, so it was always current.

Also posted was encouragement to "get muddy". By stepping around muddy patches, hikers unknowingly trample vegetation, and worse create parallel tracks. It is far prefered to walk the middle of the trail through puddles and mud. While washing boots off is easy, repairing damage caused can take considerable effort. And just ask any kid, they will tell you that stomping in puddles is always a blast!

So lace up those boots, and gaiters if you prefer, and go get muddy (just remember if trails are really bad, it might be better to head elsewhere).

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers have hit the road!



The 2008 season officially began in late January when Senior Team JD Tanner and Emily Ressler loaded their Subaru, but things are really going to take off now as all three Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers have hit the road. All three teams spent the past two and a half weeks here in Colorado for a mix of field and office training. We have a really great crew again this year that includes two new teams. Alexis Ollar and Topher Marlatt will start off as TEAM EAST while Tanya Rich and Cody Hanford will start as TEAM WEST. They are extremely excited to get the ball rolling.

JD and Emily have headed for Wisconsin, Alexis and Topher are on their way to Georgia, and Cody and Tanya are off to California. If you are interested in hosting an event with the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers there is still time for 2008. There is room in their calendars toward the end of the year, if you are interested in requesting an event for Team West, click here, Team East, click here or for the Senior Team, click here.

Check out the teams calendars to see when they will be in your area and please stop by an event to say hi!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

(Lack of) Power Hour


Last weekend marked the first ever global "Earth Hour" an event that started last year in Sydney, Australia as a way to demonstrate how much energy can be saved by turning the lights out for one hour. Over 300 cities participated in the event worldwide.

"Earth Hour" was approximately 8 p.m. RMST and many businesses in the Denver/Boulder area showed their support; participating restaurants, for example, served candlelight dinners. A friend of mine told me that a government building in downtown Denver that turned off its lights for one hour saved energy equivalent to the amount that six homes use in a year. 

If anything, the event served to promote the idea that there are many simple ways we can minimize our impact on our planet, whether it be in our homes or out in the field. In other words, proactive programs such as these, and Leave No Trace for that matter, are threads of a much larger tapestry of sustainability.

For more information about this specific program, visit: http://www.earthhour.org/ 

Power Point Presentations

I wanted to inform the Leave No Trace community that if you would like to have a copy of the Leave No Trace power point presentation, then you can either call or email the Center with your name and full address and we would be happy to mail one to you. The presentation comes in three different versions. The factor differing them is length. This is a good tool to have on hand if you are conducting an Awareness Workshop, a Trainer Course, or if you are doing an informal discussion of Leave No Trace.