Partnership Highlight: Call of the Wild

Mt. Whitney summit

We always welcome innovative ways to partner with organizations doing great work, and our relationship with Call of the Wild is a great example. Offering active vacations for women of all ages, Call of the Wild is the longest-running women's adventure travel company in the world. Their trips include hiking, backpacking, and multi-sport adventures across the United States and around the globe. With over 30 years of experience, Call of the Wild is a proud partner of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and a participant in the Center's Online Auction, where you can bid on a generous $750 credit to be redeemed towards any Call of the Wild backpack trip offered in the United States departing in 2010 or 2011.

The Auction will run until July 6th - this unique event brings members of the Leave No Trace community from around the globe together for the first time, to share in their support and advocacy for the Center’s mission. A big thank you to our contributing partners, including Call of the Wild!

Responsible Recreation - It Starts with Youth!

In addition to running a PEAK/Teen activity contest (Check out this month's Bigfoot Challenge), the Center recently added a second deadline to it's Packing with PEAK grant program - August 1, 2010.

PEAK (Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids) is an educational program that introduces youth to the concepts of environmental stewardship, responsible recreation and the principles of Leave No Trace.

Check out the PEAK page for a more in-depth look at the teaching resources.

As a partnership program between the Center and REI, many REI stores have PEAK resources available to borrow. Check out your local REI for more details

To apply for this small teaching grant, please visit our online application. The second deadline is August 1, 2010. If you represent and/or work with diverse communities, please consider our Connect Grant program. The second deadline is also August 1, 2010 and the application can be found in the same location.

Happy Summer!

Leave No Trace visits Colter Bay amphitheatre

Last week we had the opportunity to work with one of our partners, the Grand Teton Lodge Company, in the spectacular setting of Grand Teton National Park. Above we have a majestic view of the Tetons as the Traveling Trainers practice the principle Respect Wildlife and snap photos from a safe distance.


One of the evenings was spent at the Colter Bay amphitheater enjoying Leave No Trace educational activities with campers and park staff.
The venue was very conducive to audience participation and pictured above a few of the audience members take part in a discussion about decomposition rates of various types of trash found in both front and backcountry settings.


All the best,

Jason and Agata

Saco River Outreach

Every summer thousands of people pack up their camping gear (which usually includes everything but the kitchen sink), load up their canoes, kayaks, floats, and rafts, and spend the weekend on the Saco River in Maine. With so many paddlers on the river, it is critical that everyone practices Leave No Trace in order to preserve the beautiful, clear waters of the Saco. We were fortunate to work with Michelle Broyer of the Saco River Recreation Council, two of her interns, and one of the river runners this weekend, as we teamed up to educate the paddlers before they journeyed on the river. Michelle and her staff are dedicated to protecting this river, that years ago was known to be a "Rated R" area, due to the amount of partying, trash, and foul language. They are working diligently to change this image and we could clearly see the positive outcomes of their efforts. We applaud Michelle Broyer for all her work in implementing Leave No Trace along the river!

Happy Adventuring...Kate and Tracy

Respect Wildlife, or what to do with a newborn fawn in your yard

Last week, my wife called me at work, saying there was a newborn fawn in our driveway. Thanks to the internet, and The Second Chance Wildlife Center, I quickly figured out what to do, or more importantly what not to do!

Turns out, all we had to do, was not disturb the little one. My two young daughters quickly understood that the little fawn really didn't need our help. Young fawns are not able to keep up with their moms while grazing during the day. So, the mom seeks out a spot to leave them during the early dawn hours. She then comes back to retrieve them in the late evening.

Sure enough, after putting my girls to sleep, I took one last look out the side window, and the newborn fawn was gone. We all hope that we will see more of her this summer as she grows up!

Second Chance Wildlife Center's great information sheet: www.scwc.org/Library/Animals_FawnHelp.pdf

America's Great Outdoors Initiative

In April, President Obama launched America's Great Outdoors Initiative to promote and support innovative community-level efforts to conserve outdoor spaces and to reconnect people to the land.

As a central-point of the initiative, “listening sessions" have been set up in a dozen cities to learn how to reconnect Americans to the outdoors and to build upon state, local, private, and tribal conservation initiatives targeted at conservation of both public and private land. Representatives from Obama’s Administration, including the Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, and the White House Council on Environmental Quality will attend the sessions. Please share your ideas for how the Administration can better protect our national parks and the lands that surround them and help us to ensure that national parks play a central role in this important White House initiative.

Your action item if you choose to participate: Tell Obama’s Administration about Leave No Trace’s critical role in this process.

For more information or to find a listening session in your neck of the woods, visit: http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/

Leave No Trace Bigfoot goes to Telluride Bluegrass Festival!

Grand Teton National Park Visit

We spent this week at Grand Teton National Park presenting five awareness workshops for Grand Teton Lodge Company staff, guests, and national park staff. Pictured above is one of the youngest and most enthusiastic fans of Leave No Trace we have ever met. This young man helped us run "What Principle Am I?" for a group of workshop attendees and eagerly participated in a round of "How Long Does it Last?"

Below we have a shot of the new 2010 Subaru Outback with a view of the Grand Tetons in the background. Definitely one of the most scenic "commutes" to work for the Traveling Trainers!

All the best,

Jason and Agata

Kicking Off Summer Camp Season In PA

School is out and it is time for summer camps to get rolling. We made our first visit to camp in Reading, PA to work with a dynamic group of teenagers attending an Environmental Leadership Camp at Alvernia University. This group was getting ready to head to Camp Joy for an overnight camping trip, so our timing was spot on. We discussed ways the teens could incorportate Leave No Trace into their outing. After a round of Minimum Impact Match, we challenged the group to a game of Leave No Trace Jeopardy. This provided a great opportunity to discuss the theory of Leave No Trace before they head out in the field to put it into practice. We wish all the best to future leaders in the environmental field.

Happy Adventuring...Kate and Tracy

Hot new Leave No Trace BigFoot shirts!

If you haven't checked out our store lately, then you are missing some great new duds to sport this summer. Newest addition includes our new line of 'Bigfoot's been doing it years' tshirts. Now more fitted and stylie, with the same solid Leave No Trace message of playing outdoors responsibly. Spread the message while lookin' hot hot. $18/all sizes

Online store ( + )

The 1st Online Auction benefiting Leave No Trace is Officially Open!

On behalf of Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, we are excited to launch the inaugural year of our 1st Annual Online Auction! This unique event will bring members of the Leave No Trace community from around the globe together for the first time, to share in their support and advocacy for the Center’s mission.

Take a Good Look. Bids are now being accepted on exciting items from many of our Corporate Partners, Board of Directors, members and other partners. Whether you're looking for something unique for yourself, searching for a gift for a special someone, or looking to add a little adventure to your life, you're sure to find something of interest in our auction catalog.

Make Your Bid. Even if you've never taken part in an online auction before, it's fast and easy to bid on one or more items in our auction catalog. Step by step instructions will walk you through the bidding process so you can participate with confidence. And remember, every bid helps support our cause!

Tell Your Friends. The success of this online event depends on getting the word out to as many people as possible. We need your help. Please share (see sharing options below to share this post, or feel free to send a direct link to the auction) all of the auction news with your friends and encourage them to participate so they don't miss a single moment of the fun and excitement.

These items are open for bidding, and we will continue to add new items throughout the next two weeks. You have until Tuesday, July 6^th at noon to place you maximum bid.

What are you waiting for? Bid now!

View Auction Catalog

Catching up with Ketchum

Last week we had the chance to visit beautiful Ketchum, ID to enjoy the historic Sun Valley and all the outdoor recreation we could handle! During the stay we were treated to scenic hikes throughout the valley and even had an impromptu invitation to work with the campers in the Wood River Community YMCA!

In the first picture, we have a moment of exploration and inspiration as the campers discuss their ideas for their own Nature nametags in Forest Service town park. In the second photo, we enter into a sea of peaks as the Traveling Trainers top out on Mt. Baldy on a sunny afternoon in the mountains.

Many "thanks" to our friend Danny Walton for keeping the Mountain Niceness at an all time high.

All the best,

Jason and Agata

Outdoor Nation Youth Summit

This weekend we travelled to Central Park in New York City to take part in the world's first Outdoor Nation Youth Summit and Festival. This event united young people from across the country with a common mission: To champion the outdoors and start a youth-driven movement. 500 young people from all 50 states came out to take part in a ground-breaking Outdoor Youth Summit-where young leaders develop a national agenda, set priorities and outline strategies to champion the outdoors as athletes, artists, advocates, and ambassadors. Outdoor Nation is supported by a coalition of more than 40 organizations including The Outdoor Foundation, The North Face, REI, and the National Park Service.

One of the main issues discussed was how to get more urban youth outdoors and build their connection with nature. Children ages 6-11 years old are spending an average of 30 hours a week in front of a screen, whether it is for homework, television, or video games. This summit provided a platform to explore ways to break this trend and encourage children to get outside more! The discussions were focused on several different areas including diversity, outdoor careers, health and active lifestyles, media and culture, outdoor service, and recreation and education.

It is so exciting to be a part of such a ground-breaking movement in the outdoor industry. The youth involved in this summit should be commended for their efforts towards building a larger outdoor nation! Stay tuned for more information, as we watch this group work towards creating initiatives that will change the lives of America's youth.

Happy Adventuring...Kate and Tracy

Art or impact?

Recently hiked by this on a heavily used trail in the foothills above Boulder, CO and it got me thinking - is this impact or art?

New Hampshire Trainer Course

Lew Shelley, New Hampshire state advocate, for the second consecutive year hosted a Leave No Trace Trainer course out of Student Conservation Association (SCA) headquarters in Charlestown, NH. We appreciate Lew's dedication to the Leave No Trace program and his efforts to continue to get staff trained from the SCA.

The course began at headquarters, then we travelled to Pilsbury State Park for the remainder of the course. During the Leave What You Find lesson, we encouraged course participants to get in touch with their artistic sides and write a poem. Sue beautifully scripted a poem that included each participants 'nature name' from the previous day.

The inspiration of a vista, a panorama, or a cloud

Help me feel the beauty of falling rain

to hear the splendor of a waterfall

to see the wonder of a trout

and to touch the life of a forest

Well said Sue! All five participants brought a creative energy to the course and we had many many thoughtful discussions. It is truly amazing to work with a group of people so dedicated to education and we know that these five people will do great work as Leave No Trace Trainers. Thanks for an awesome course!

Happy Adventuring...Kate and Tracy

Leave No Trace Campers Guide

Festival season is upon us. Leave No Trace will be representing all of our supporters at the Telluride Bluegrass Fest this weekend. Here are a few tips on how to make your experience as sustainable as possible.

Leave-No-Trace Campers Guide

• Minimize the amount of packaging; avoid buying over-packaged goods and individual portion packs
• Buy durable products, returnable bottles and containers that can be re-filled
• Look out for recycled goods and those packaged in recycled materials
• Cut down on packaging by buying your fruit and vegetables loose
• Buy fair-trade and organic food, drinks and products at stalls if possible
• Use re-sealable containers to keep your food fresh (this reduces the amount of plastic film and aluminum foil you throw away)
• Use rechargeable batteries
• Recycle what you cannot reuse
• Car share or use public transport
• Turn off taps & showers when finished
• Live by the 'LEAVE NO TRACE' philosophy

If you are attending the Telluride Bluegrass Festival this year, stop by the Leave No Trace booth and say hi. Also don't forget to sign up for the Campsite challenge!

National Get Outdoors Day

Saturday, June 12th was National Get Outdoors Day! This annual event across the country is designed to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. We were invited by the Gifford Pinchot National Forest to attend the National Get Outdoors Day event held in Vancouver, Washington. Woodsy Owl, Ranger Rick, and Smokey Bear checked out our Crime Scene Camp and figured out the different ways in which campers were not practicing Leave No Trace. Numerous families attended the event and enjoyed the Crime Scene Camp as well as the Leave No Trace information we shared at our booth.


All the best...

Agata and Jason

Idaho Falls Trainer Course

North Menan Butte, Idaho.

This past weekend my colleague Sara Close and I had the opportunity to travel to Idaho Falls, Idaho, to teach a Leave No Trace Trainer Course. Hosted by the Upper Snake Field Office, we had 11 participants from a variety of backgrounds: a BLM geologist who also volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America, several Girl Scout leaders, three BLM summer outdoor ethics employees from BYU-Idaho, two BLM Snake River Boat Launch Site hosts and a raft guide on the Salmon River.

Mound fire demo.

Thank you to all the participants for an engaging, fun and dynamic course. Sara and I certainly felt like it was a very successful course – great weather, fantastic course location, and an easy group dynamic. We were very grateful the weather cooperated. Congratulations to the newest Leave No Trace Trainers!

Group shot on North Menan Butte

If you are interested in learning more about the Leave No Trace Program or would like to implement a similar education program in your area, please contact Ben Lawhon in the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics office via email at ben@LNT.org or by phone: 800.332.4100 x104.

Authority of the Resource Skits

Caching In At Kettletown

The eighth annual Geo Jamboree was held under rainy skies this past weekend in Southbury, CT. The rain could not deter the crowd of nearly 250 geocache enthusiasts from hitting the trails. With more than 35 caches in the park, Kettletown State Park was an ideal location for the event. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics' latest reference hang tag provides minimum impact techniques to practice while geocaching. Click here if you are interested in purchasing a geocaching hang tag for your own personal use.

During the month of June, the first challenge of the Bigfoot Challenge is to bring and extra bag on your next outing and pick up any trash you find on the trail. Many of the folks we signed up for the Bigfoot Challenge reported that "Cache In, Trash Out" was their mantra and they didn't need to challenge themselves to do it, they were already practicing it! In the photo above, a kayaking geocacher takes the Bigfoot Challenge.

We were pleased to be a part of the Jamboree again this year and be able to share ways the geocaching community can practice Leave No Trace during all of their future outings.

Happy Adventuring...Kate and Tracy

Wildlife Sightings

Enjoy this beautiful photograph of a white wolf submitted to our Membership Department.

The observers where enjoying a tranquil Alaskan evening when the wolf approached close enough to take a photograph and some video. After spending a few moments posing for the camera, the wolf safely moved on and the two individual were left with a unique memory.

Just a wonderful reminder of the benefits of always having a camera with you and letting the sounds of nature prevail. You get to enjoy unique (and safe) wildlife encounters such as the one depicted in this photo. What's your favorite or most unique wildlife sighting?

Gifford Pinchot Trainer Course

Last week, we facilitated a Trainer Course for staff from the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The training took place at the historic Wind River Training Center and offered an opportunity to work with a variety of backcountry rangers, trail crews, and administrative personnel.

The course focused on communicating Leave No Trace practices to various user groups in the field, and provided an opportunity for dialogue among three ranger districts about how they were promoting low impact recreation and stewardship to the recreational communities enjoying the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.


The first picture above shows the whole group in front of our new Subaru Outback! The second picture above captured a moment in which the participants are learning about the principle Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces while enjoying a round of Step On It on the Dry Creek trail. Below the crew celebrates a successful round of Campfire Scramble while learning about alternatives to campfires in the field.


Thank you to Gabe Snider for inviting us to work with the staff in the southern Cascades!

All the best,

Agata and Jason

Idaho Frontcountry - Plan Ahead and Prepare

I have the privileged of co-instructing a Leave No Trace Trainer Course this weekend, just north of Idaho Falls, Idaho.

In the effort to Plan Ahead and Prepare before the beginning of the course, my colleague, Catherine, and I went to explore North Menan Butte, where we will lead the first day of outdoor instruction tomorrow. I always make it a habit to read any postings at the trailhead, check regulations and take note of any additional information supplied before leaving the parking lot. This is especially important for us, knowing that we are outside of the open space areas to which we are accustomed.

Some things change when you go to new areas - for instance, at this trailhead, there happened to be an abundance of signage indicating snake presence, and educating hikers to know the difference between poisonous snakes and non-poisonous.

Other things are more universal to a typical frontcountry site, such as the proper disposal of dog and pet waste in the area! Additionally, in just the past few days, there have been trail repairs made and restoration areas set that have closed off many of the 'obvious' trails leading up to the top of the Butte. Knowing these, by paying attention to signage and following the land managers map, were all incredibly useful this afternoon.

We are looking forward to teaching this Trainer Course this weekend, and even more so now that we know have taken the time to prepare in advance for the terrain, environment and regulations that will lead to a more enjoyable teaching and learning experience for all.

Bigfoot Challenge Winner for April!

We recently awarded our April Bigfoot Challenge Winner, Paul Chrismon, with a bigfoot patch, a Leave No Trace Smartwool Beanie, a Leave No Trace Frisbee, a Coleman Sleeping Bag, a Coleman Camp Cookset, and a Platypus Hiker Hydrator Hydration kit. Enter the Bigfoot Challenge this month to see if you can win the June prize of some more sweet outdoor gear. Here is a little bit more information about Paul, our April Winner.

My name is Paul Chrismon, I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I am involved in Hiking, Camping, and Boy Scouts as an adult leader for my sons pack. I got involved with Leave No Trace through Boy Scouts and by leading our den and pack through the requirements to earn their Leave No Trace patch. It has been rewarding to me personally as I was able to watch and see what our scouts learned and then apply it on our last camp out and in our service projects. I am grateful for an organization like yours that help people learn what they need to do to help preserve the environment and the natural resources around us.

Thanks Paul for taking the Bigfoot Challenge and thank you for all that you do for Leave No Trace!

A week at the Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Saturday marked the kick off to our week of events at the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Saturday was National Trails Day, American Hiking Society's signature trail awareness program, created to inspire the public and trail enthusiasts nationwide to seek out their favorite trails to discover, learn about, and celebrate trails while participating in educational exhibits, trail dedications, gear demonstrations, instructional workshops and trail work projects.


The Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mt. Saint Helens Institute, and the Washington Trails Association put on a work party to celebrate National Trails Day and invited us to give a few short presentations to the volunteers doing trail work that day. Congratulations to the very first group to arrange the trash perfectly in How Long Does It Last!


On Sunday, we offered a more in-depth presentation at the Forest Service Headquarters in Vancouver, WA and enjoyed a rainy day with staff and volunteers in a 3 hour Awareness Workshop.

All the best,

Agata and Jason

1st Annual Silent Auction: Don't miss the action, opening June 22nd!

How do you have an event for a community that extends around the globe? Have it online!

Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics invites you and your friends, family and colleagues to join us for our first annual Online Silent Auction, launching June 22nd. We have generous donations from many of our partners, and you won't want to miss the action! All of the proceeds from the Silent Auction will go to benefit Leave No Trace programs and outreach.

We will send out another communication via email at the start of the auction with a link to the site. Additionally, a link to the auction will be posted on the "More Ways to Give" section of the website. But if you want a preview of the goodies to come, you can keep checking back to the blog, the website, Twitter and Facebook for updates on the items for bid.

Not to be missed are prizes donated from many of our Corporate Partners, including:

• The North Face
• SmartWool
• MSR / Therm-A-Rest / Platypus
• Mountain Hardwear
• Coleman
• Subaru of America
  
• Avid For Adventure
• Colorado Mountain School
• Keen
• IAG Media
• National Geographic Maps
• Industrial Revolution
• and many private donors (... Like a Gary Fisher Bike!)

For those who maybe don't need gear, or want to contribute in a different but equally meaningful way, we will also be hosting a Scholarship Sponsorship mini-event. Individuals can choose to "bid" on a scholarship that will be channeled in to our various Grants and Scholarships programs. Additionally, all donors to this program will have their names printed in the Annual Report.

Even better, this event is open to anyone! You don't have to be a Leave No Trace member, educator or volunteer to attend. So help us spread the word to your communities, and make this inaugural year go off with a bang!

Road Wisdom: The "Right Way"?

“One Touch of Nature Makes The Whole World Kin.”

-W. Shakespeare

This simple and optimistic observation literally came up from under our feet as we were hiking in northern California one overcast afternoon last month. The quote was displayed on an inconspicuous trail-side plaque in the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. We were hiking in a grove that was home to some of the oldest remaining Redwoods in the world when we found this keen observation by an artist known more for Elizabethan theatre than wilderness ethics. Stopping to contemplate this simple reflection we fell silent hiking out to the car as we were both stirred by the realization that regardless of our personal and recreational differences, there is a common thread that connects us all, nature herself.

We have meandered over 20,000 miles traveling and teaching about the Leave No Trace principle Be Considerate of Other Visitors, and this statement resonated strongly with us. It gave us an opportunity to discuss the various perspectives of outdoor recreationists we have encountered along our path as Traveling Trainers. From mountaineers to hikers, horseback riders to mountain bikers, and everything between, we have been inundated with the opinions and passions of the outdoor recreation community, young and old, female and male, urban and rural. Almost anyone who finds pleasure in the outdoors will tell you why their own approach to experiencing nature is the “right way” to enjoy the outdoors. And why everyone else’s is intrusive and unsustainable or just “wrong.” So goes the wisdom behind the suggestion to be good to one another while we share the finite spaces that seem to grow more cozy each time we head outside.

What is it then that brings us together as an outdoor community with so many points of view to debate?

Instinctively we venture outdoors in local parks, on stretches of river along our land, and in mountain ranges that watch over us all from distances only the imagination can measure to find solitude, adrenaline, or perhaps community. We do this because we are happy there, and for a time, share a sense of community and togetherness that other areas of our lives may not offer. Next time you head outside, please consider that the other individuals and groups you meet on the trail or in the park are people just like yourself seeking enjoyment and peace in the out doors.

All the best,

Agata and Jason

Dear Education Department: Leave No Trace Training

Dear Education Department,

I don’t see any Leave No Trace Trainer Courses or Awareness Workshops listed in my state. When will there be a Trainer Course or Awareness Workshop in my state? Or, how do I find a Trainer Course or Awareness Workshop in my state?

Signed,

Train me!

***************

Dear Train Me,

There are several options for obtaining the training you’re looking for:

• Visit the community page for your state (and nearby states) to see if there are any Trainer Courses/Workshops listed: http://lnt.org/01_community/index.php

• Contact the State Advocate and Master Educators listed in your area and work to set-up a Trainer Course/Workshop: http://lnt.org/01_community/index.php

• Check the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer schedule and request an event (3+ months in advance): http://lnt.org/programs/travelingtrainers.php

• Contact the Center with questions or for more information: info@LNT.org, 1.800.332.4100 or http://www.LNT.org

For answers to many other questions, please visit: http://lnt.org/aboutUs/FAQs.php

My Backyard *The Interview By Dave Winter

Saco River Recreation Council in Fryeburg, ME

Michelle Broyer poses with Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers JD Tanner and Emily Ressler in July 2009.

In 2009 the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers spent the fourth of July weekend at the Swan Falls Campground on the Saco River. To read about their 2009 visit please go here. Recently, Dave Winter, Outreach Manager at Leave No Trace, interviewed Michelle Broyer, former Swan Falls Campground Manager and current Saco River Recreation Council's Conservation and Education Program Director, to see how things are going on the Saco River and to hear about what is planned for 2010.

Dave Winter (DW): How are things going?

Michelle Broyer (MB): Things are going great. The Saco River Recreational Council and I have been in transition this winter and there have been changes in my position. I am now the Saco River Recreational Council’s Conservation and Education program director. I will no longer be managing Swan’s Falls Campground but will be running our education program hand in hand with the campground. This gives me the ability to concentrate solely on developing and expanding on our existing education programs that we started with Stefan Jackson of The Nature Conservancy and The Saco River Recreational Council. The Nature Conservancy will be funding most or part of this program for the next few years.

DW: That's awesome, congrats. Also congratulations on being a 2009 Leave No Trace Advocacy Award Winner.

MB: I was very excited when I found out that I won an Advocacy Award last November!! Thank you sooo much! I am so proud to be recognized by such a great organization!

DW: Of course, thank you. So did you feel like your efforts in 2009 were a success?

MB: Yes, absolutely. We saw a lot of progress on the river. Our "Take Back our River" campaign with police chief Phillip Weymouth was a huge success. We worked hand in hand with the Saco River Patrol, a law enforcement unit on the river, to educate the general public about ways to enjoy this one of a kind recreational river in the White Mountains and Saco River Valley responsibly. We want everyone to come out and have an enjoyable time on the river while being safe and being respectful of the environment and everyone around them. In the last five years since we began ramping up our education efforts we have seen a huge difference in visitors behavior. Home owners in the area are much happier. The out of control partying has gotten better, and the trash left behind seems to be less, and we don't hear the fireworks as much as we used to.

DW: Why do you think you have had success?

MB: Because we have stayed with it. We haven't given up. I think we have been successful because of our persistents with the education and law enforcement. We have a big presence of folks in the area educating people, it all starts with planning and preparation. You can go to our website and see some of the things we talk to people about at the put in. This education along with a greater emphasis on being organized has really helped. The presence of the Saco River Recreation Council and its partners, The Nature Conservancy, Leave No Trace, law enforcement, and private property owners on the river have helped change peoples behavior. I think if we keep this up we will reach our goals.

DW: Your really are passionate about the Saco River aren't you?

MB: Yes. I grew up in this area. As a kid my family and I would go on fourth of July trips on the river every year. It got way out of control for awhile on the river with lots of alcohol, parties, trash and people. It was no longer a family friendly river. Our goal is to make this a family friendly river again.

DW: So what do you have planned for 2010?

MB: We are going to continue to ramp up our field education programs. We are working on a survey to give to visitors that are heading out on the river and for when they return so that we can hear from the user and get some more statistics to measure how we are doing. We will continue to do our river clean ups in the spring and fall. We have "eco kits" we will continue to give out that include trowels, biodegradable toilet paper and trash bags that we can give out when we are giving talks to visitors at the put in. We are working on more bulletin boards with trip info, mileage, etc. We also hope to be able to host the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers again in 2010.

To learn more about the Saco River Recreation Council please visit their website sacorivercouncil.org.

Gifts for Dads or Grads!

June marks a busy time of year with many students graduating from high school and college, as well as Father's Day coming up right around the corner (June 20th, for those who may have forgot). Are you stuck for a gift idea? We have the solution for you. Why not give a one-year membership to Leave No Trace?

Members of Leave No Trace receive many great benefits including:

• One year subscription to Learn.Network.Together., Leave No Trace's electronic newsletters that keep you updated on programs;
• Personalized Leave No Trace membership card;
• The Membership Resource Guide to help you get involved and stay connected;
• Invitations to attend events and presentations in your area by others in the Leave No Trace community;
• 10% discounts on Leave No Trace educational materials and merchandise;
• Receive 10% off your gourmet backcountry purchase at PackIt Gourmet [email us for your password].
• The Leave No Trace bumper sticker and reference card;
• Memberships of $35 or more will receive either a limited edition Member t-shirt or a Leave No Trace waterbottle;
• Eligibility for the Subaru VIP Partners Program after six months of being a member, helping you save as much as $3,300 when you purchase or lease a new Subaru;
• Unique discount opportunities from other Leave No Trace partners for cool schwag and gear;
• Access to the on-line Coleman Pro Store (email us for your password), to take advantage of exclusive prices on quality outdoor gear and accessories;
• Satisfaction that you are furthering your essential role in spreading Leave No Trace.

What grad or dad wouldn't enjoy those benefits? Signing up couldn't be easier, just click here for more information! Join the expanding community of Leave No Trace members today!

Happy Adventuring... Kate and Tracy