Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Education?
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
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
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
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
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Goodbye Leave No Trace!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
"A River Runs Through It"
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
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.
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:
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Taking It Personally
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
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.