Meet Two Knobby Tires!

Every month Bigfoot asks you to take his Leave No Trace Challenge. His goal is to encourage simple acts of environmental activism and teach Leave No Trace principles. By taking Bigfoot's challenge, you are not only joining a nationwide conservation movement, you are also Leaving No Trace where it matters most - the places you play.

The April Bigfoot Challenge Sponsor, Two Knobby Tires is a online store for outdoor gear that promotes a healthy, active, and eco-friendly lifestyle for cyclists, hikers, families, and pet owners. They aim to inspire people to spend time outdoors connecting with nature in an environmentally-responsible way.


Bigfoot is asking you to take one of this month's challenges, in doing so you will enter to win Two Knobby Tires prizes!


1) Take Part in an Earth day event in your area. If you can’t find a local event, get together with friends and plant a native tree or clean up part of your favorite trail!

2) Spring Cleaning! While cleaning this year, recycle or donate items that can be reused instead of throwing them away.

3) Support Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and Join as a new member.


Take April's Bigfoot Challenge!

Leave No Trace on Keen HybridLife Radio

Outreach Manager Dave Winter joined Keen HybridLife Radio hosts Heather Hardy and Adam Sawyer yesterday to talk about Leave No Trace programs and how you can get more involved.

HybridLife Radio is brought to you by KEEN and produced by Pagatim Productions. The show is designed for parents who are actively seeking ways to foster a playful, creative and socially responsible lifestyle outside, a way of life KEEN calls HybridLife.

This show is for everyone. You will find that the show themes apply as much to the hardcore outdoor enthusiast as to the family who visits the park on a Sunday afternoon.

Listen to this interview.

Farming in Nevada City to PEAK in Reno

Nevada City, CA & Reno, NV. Today was an interesting day for Team West. We spent the morning helping out a fellow nonprofit organization called Living Lands Agrarian Network. Living Lands Agrarian Network is a non-profit organization that offers training and mentorship to the next generation of farmers. Their unique model of cooperative farming integrates ecological education, community involvement, resource sharing, and celebration around the food we grow right here in our neighborhoods. They practice and promote localized ecological farming for the profound benefit it has on ourselves, our neighbors and the planet. Our task was to build a fence around a newly developed farm site, maintained by Farmer Amanda Thibodeau. The site will be used as an outdoor educational classroom, inviting students to learn about the farm to table model.

Pictured above is the farm crew, that unites each Wednesday to complete projects at each of the farms in the Living Lands network. Similar to the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, Living Lands abides by the philosophy of education influencing behavior. We were honored to volunteer our time at the "Food Love Project".

After a quick jaunt to the "Biggest Little City in the World", it was time to talk PEAK. After spending the morning at the farm, where they strive to connect people and children to the natural world, we spent the evening teaching community members how beneficial it is to connect kids with nature. To learn more about Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids, click here. See you out there!

Explore Responsibly...Kate and Tracy

Leave No Trace Training in The Comfort of Your Own Living Room

The Leave No Trace principles are a great set of guidelines to implement into your outdoor recreating, whatever your outdoor activity may be. While catching a Leave No Trace workshop in your community is a GREAT way to learn about and implement these principals, not everyone has an event scheduled in their neck of the woods that they could attend.

Do not fear:

The Leave No Trace Online Awareness Course is available for everyone! Take 30-60 minutes to learn about the history, practices, techniques, and programs of Leave No Trace, from the comfort of your own living room. And even better? It's free!

Bigfoot sighting in the "Peach State"

Molena, GA - Last weekend Team East was in the stormy state of Georgia for a Trainer Course with the Flint River council of the Boy Scouts America. The course was an opportunity for the participants to learn more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace and how to teach minimum impact recreation to others. A surprise visit by Bigfoot allowed for a photo opportunity and a few laughs as the group gathered for the photo above.



Over the two days participants went hands on during demonstrations for various minimum impact recreation techniques training sessions. In the photo above, the group learns more about the principle Minimize Campfire Impacts and the technique used to build a mound fire.

Keep an eye out for team East as we head down into Florida for a few weeks of Leave No Trace trainings and workshops.

All the best,

Jason and Agata

Partnership Highlight: Hi-Cone Products

San Francisco, CA. Last August, Hi-Cone Products, the producer of photodegradable beverage rings, partnered with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, in an effort to educate people about the importance of disposing of waste properly, especially when it comes to bottles, cans, and the plastic holders they come in. Their product uses minimum packaging which equals maximum economical and ecological efficiencies. The rings they produce will photodegrade into non-toxic particles within 30-60 days, if not properly recycled.

Hi-Cone uses a number 4 plastic, which can be recycled anywhere number 4 plastics are taken. To go one step further, if number 4 plastic is not accepted in your area, you can mail back your plastic rings and they will recycle them for you. To find out more about this Ringleader Recycling Program, click here.

We teamed up with Hi-Cone this past week at the Craft Brewers Conference, held in San Francisco, CA. This was a unique opportunity to reach out to a diverse audience of craft brewers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, to share our insights on ways to be more sustainable. We want to thank Jeff Neitzel and Julie Hoganson for their efforts to educate people about responsible packaging options and for inviting us to take part in the conference!

Explore Responsibly...Kate and Tracy

Leave No Trace Backyard Session in Missoula

Last Thursday night saw yet another fun and informative Leave No Trace Backyard Session at the REI store in Missoula. In addition to having Ben Lawhon, Leave No Trace Education Director in attendance, Leave No Trace Master Course Provider and longstanding US Forest Service partner, Bob Hoverson from the Ninemile Wildlands Training Center was there too. Bigfoot even made an appearance!



The Session drew lots of folks from the Missoula area who were either existing Leave No Trace members, educators and supporters or who were interested in learning more about the program. Attendees included US Forest Service staff, University of Montana faculty, Girl Scout leaders, REI employees and others. The group viewed the new Leave No Trace public service announcements, learned about what the Center is focusing on in 2011 and heard about Bob Hoverson's programs at Ninemile, including his Master Educator Course efforts.






It was a great event, and helped to further connect the Leave No Trace dots in Missoula. We'd like to thank both the REI Missoula staff for their hospitality and Bob Hoverson for coming out to talk about Ninemile. If you're interested in hosting a Backyard Session in your town or for your community, please contact Bigfoot@LNT.org or visit: http://lnt.org/01_community/backyard_sessions.php

February Bigfoot Challenge Winner, Darcy!

We asked Darcy, our February Bigfoot Challenge winner, to tell us how she got involved with Leave No Trace, and what it means to her. This is what she had to say...

I was born and raised in Sparks, Nevada. I love outdoor photography - I collect retro-style Lomographic and Holga cameras, and keep my camera bag in my car so I can pull over and snap if the mood strikes. I'm an AmeriCorps volunteer out of Nevada Outdoor School and my host site is Friends of Nevada Wilderness. As Stewardship Technician, I run our social media sites, act as videographer, issue press releases and updates, write our monthly stewardship newsletter, and assist on field projects. Later this month, we're leading an "Alternative Spring Break" in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge where I will be shooting footage for an upcoming Public Service Announcement.

Leave No Trace is not just about environmental impact, it's about safety too. I spend a fair amount of time in the Sierras, which is prime bear country, and knowing about bear bags and proper feminine hygiene product disposal can save your life. I work with volunteers of all ages, and sometimes it's the adults that are hardest to get through to! Sometimes you forget they want to touch the stalactite, or get real close to the antelope, and you have to use your 'kid voice' to remind them they aren't above the Leave No Trace principles!

"Leave what you find" is the most important principle because it’s about more than not taking souvenirs. Leaving what you find means everyone that comes after you can enjoy it too. We have a serious problem with vandalism to petroglyphs in southern Nevada - no one is removing them, but using them for shooting practice - leaving large bullet gouges - or drawing their own interpretation of the glyphs, which definitely isn't leaving what you find.

-Darcy Shepard

Thank you Darcy!

Take the Bigfoot Challenge today!

March Madness in Georgia!

Kennesaw, GA - While many colleges and universities across the country are focused on the NCAA Men's and Women's Championship games (a.k.a. March Madness), the students at Clayton State University and Kennesaw State University devoted a few hours of their day this week to learn more about Leave No Trace.

We visited Clayton State, a 2010 Connect Grant recipient, on Tuesday of this week and met with students, staff, and faculty. The university's Outdoor Adventure program is a new and growing one that offers a wide variety of trips from service projects in the Okefenokee Swamp to ski trips in West Virginia. Thanks to Nick Kilburg, the Assistant Director of Outdoor Adventure and a Leave No Trace Master Educator, for inviting us!

Today, we presented to students, staff, and faculty at Kennesaw State. The university has great outdoor recreation opportunities on campus, including Nature Bound, an outdoor adventure program organized by the Department of Sports and Recreation and the Center for Student Leadership, and an on-campus Bike Shop that offers free bike services and free mountain bike rentals! Thanks to Wes Riddle and Sandefur Porter for putting this workshop together!

All the best,

Agata and Jason

Leave No Trace on the Appalachian Trail

Chattahoochee National Forest, GA - Yesterday Team East enjoyed some time off and connected with hikers along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) near Springer Mountain in Georgia. Standing at 3,820 feet above sea level Springer Mountain is the southern terminus of the footpath that extends 2,181 miles north and ends at Mount Katahdin in Maine. The A.T. traverses some of the most rugged terrain in eastern United States and visits 8 national forests, 6 national parks, and many smaller state parks and forests.

Throughout our 10 mile hike along the A.T. and Benton MacKaye trails we encountered dozens of hikers and campers who were taking advantage of the favorable early season weather.
Pictured above is team East and hopeful through-hiker Mr. Bob "Buckeye Flash" Grau. Bob will be checking in with Team East as a guest blogger and sharing his experiences on the trail and how the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace are helpful in minimizing impacts during his estimated 5 million step adventure.

Best of luck to Bob and all the folks taking a walk in the mountains during this 2011 A.T. season!

All the best,

Jason and Agata

Connect Grant Recipient: School of the Arts

Tracy explains the rules of Minimum Impact Match

San Francisco, CA. Leave No Trace offers three different Grants that award opportunities for organizations or individuals to receive FREE educational materials. Leave No Trace also offers a fourth grant, in the form of a scholarship, that provides partial course tuition towards a 5 day Master Educator course. For more information on the grants and scholarship programs, CLICK HERE.

The Center's hope is that these grants will encourage people to bring Leave No Trace into their communities. Please consider applying today!

One of the grants, called Connect Grant, is designed to provide direct support and training for organizations and people that serve culturally diverse communities. The Center for Outdoor Ethics recently awarded a Connect Grant to the San Francisco School of the Arts. This high school is expanding its environmental sustainability program, which includes a 4 day trip to Yosemite National Park in the spring. We were able to chat with students that are attending the trip and provide insight on the importance of practicing Leave No Trace on their outing. For most of these students, this will be their first time camping and their only experience in a wilderness area. Their teacher, Andy Padlo, has been educating his students about Leave No Trace by utilizing the education materials he received through the Connect Grant. As Traveling Trainers, it is rewarding for us to work with the community leaders that are passionate about connecting people, youth especially, with the natural world. We commend Mr. Padlo and the enthusiasm with which he shares his passion about the outdoors with his students. Have so much fun on your trip!

Explore Responsibly...Kate & Tracy

Awareness Workshop from Leave No Trace Partners - Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education and the Idaho Conservation League

Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education (SOLE) is a grassroots non-profit which facilitates custom-tailored experiential education programming for individuals and groups in the Inland Northwest and beyond! We strive to empower our participants to become active learners and responsible stewards of their community and its environment. Our clientele includes organizations, schools, agencies, families and individuals searching for a novel way to learn traditional, as well as, non-traditional subjects. Check out more at:

http://www.soleexperiences.org
http://www.linkedin.com/company/selkirk-outdoor-leadership-&-education-sole-
http://www.facebook.com/SOLEExperiences
http://twitter.com/#!/SOLE_Experience


The Idaho Conservation League has been Idaho’s voice for clean water, clean air and wilderness—values that are the foundation for Idaho’s extraordinary quality of life. As Idaho's largest state-based conservation organization since 1973, ICL represents over 20,000 supporters, many of whom have a deep personal interest in protecting Idaho’s wild places and wildlife. You can find out more at www.idahoconservation.org or find ICL on Facebook at www.facebook.com/IdahoConservationLeague

Why are you passionate about Leave No Trace?

Today on our Facebook page we posed this phrase for our followers to complete: "I am passionate about Leave No Trace because ___________________." I'm inspired by the responses I've read so far and encouraged. I am a Leave No Trace member for exactly this reason - because I am part of a community of people who are passionate about protecting the places we play, and I want others to respect the outdoors too.

We've all seen what happens when people don't, right? Just last week I was hiking and found new foot trails, dog waste in a bag that someone left on the side of the trail, and the seemingly ever-present litter. What can I do in moments like that? It makes me proud to belong to Leave No Trace. I believe that the more people understand the Leave No Trace ethics, the longer our open spaces will be preserved.

Why are you passionate about Leave No Trace?

Signs of Spring at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Marietta, GA - Team East headed over to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park today to brush up on some history and enjoy the sunshine. Back in 1864, a battle was fought here from June 19 to July 2 and over 5,350 soldiers were killed. Historic earthworks, cannon emplacements, and monuments are preserved here. These days, this park is filled with joggers, dog-walkers, families as well as history buffs. We took a 5.5 mile hike and enjoyed learning about the Atlanta Campaign as well as soaking in the early signs of springs on a beautiful Georgian day.

All the best,

Agata and Jason

March Training from the Traveling Trainers

The Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers are conducting the following training events across the country in March. For more information about these or to attend, visit their calendars.

Team East March Calendar http://tiny.cc/bkolx
Team West March Calendar http://tiny.cc/aq9ya

Arkansas:
• Kipp Delta College Preparatory School – Helena
California:
• Tahoe Mountain Sports – Kings Beach
• Bay Area Wilderness Training – San Francisco
• Roughing It Day Camp – Lafayette
• School of the Arts (Connect Grant recipient) – San Francisco
• Craft Brewers Conference – San Francisco
• Heart of Central CA Girl Scouts – Sacramento
• Half Moon Kayak Company & Sports Basement – San Francisco
Florida:
• Naples Kayak Company – Naples
Georgia:
• Robinson Elementary School – Dawsonville
• Howard Elementary School – Atlanta
• BSA Flint River Council – Griffin
• Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta (Packing with Peak Grant recipient) – Cumming
• Clayton State University (Connect Grant recipient) – Morrow
• Kennesaw State University – Kennesaw
Kentucky:
• Jellystone Care Conference – Covington
• Kenton County Parks – Independence
• General Butler State Park – Carrollton
Mississippi:
• Quapaw Canoe Company – Clarksdale
Nevada:
• Elk Camp Hunting, Fishing, and Hunting Expo – Reno
• REI - Reno

Bay Area Wilderness Training at the Presidio, CA

San Francisco, CA

On Monday and Tuesday, Team West provided two four hour trainings for Bay Area Wilderness Training (BAWT). BAWT, a program of the Earth Island Institute, began with the idea that California's bountiful wilderness areas are a vast, yet untapped, resource for local youth-serving organizations. BAWT promotes the wise use of these national, state, and regional parks through professional wilderness leadership training. As the program continues to develop, the staff have embraced Leave No Trace within their programs, especially the Camping at the Presidio Program.

We had a variety of participants join us for the training including BAWT staff and interns, CAP interns, staff from the Presidio Trust and Conservancy, as well as locals who wanted to learn about teaching Leave No Trace to youth. This dynamic group allowed for thoughtful discussion on ethics during the Ethics Game, and had a passion towards educating the youth in their area. Over the four hour training, we dove into the PEAK (Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids) Program and shared a few of our favorite activities we use during youth programs we run and how to effectively communicate the Leave No Trace skills and ethics. We enjoyed the two days and nights we spent in the Presidio and look forward to working with BAWT in the future. Thanks to Grace Malango-Blake for organizing the events!

Explore Responsibly...Kate & Tracy

Team East Visits the Mountains of Georgia

Dawsonville, Georgia - Today, Team East visited with 3rd graders at Robinson Elementary School, which is nestled into north Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains. On a rainy Tuesday, we were in the company of over 100 students across the day who had never heard of Leave No Trace but were able to learn the PEAK principles in just a few classroom sessions.

Across the late morning and afternoon, Team East had the opportunity to introduce activities such as "What Principle Am I?" and "How Long Does It Last" from the PEAK pack as well as "OK! or No Way!" the free down-loadable activity from our website for large groups of kids! The students were excited to discover that taking responsibility for their actions and impacts in nature could be so much fun!

Keep an eye out for the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers in Georgia as we zig-zag our way through the state over the next few weeks.

All the best,

Jason and Agata

Fetzer Vineyards and Leave No Trace team up on Facebook Causes

In honor of Earth Day 2011 and its 25 years of sustainability initiatives, Fetzer Vineyards is donating up to $10,000 to the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.

A commitment to environmental stewardship prompted an innovative partnership between the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and Fetzer Vineyards. Between the months of March to May, for every person who joins the Leave No Trace Cause or “likes” the Fetzer Facebook page, Fetzer will donate $1 to Leave No Trace. The contribution will support Leave No Trace’s work to reach hundreds of thousands of people this year, with vital environmental education to help them enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

Fetzer Vineyards, based in Mendocino County California prides itself on its earth-friendly winery and sustainable winemaking practices. In keeping with its mission, Fetzer Vineyards has chosen Leave No Trace as its Cause to celebrate Earth Day, 2011, as well as 25 years of pioneering environmental responsibility. Furthermore, in April, Fetzer will be releasing a limited edition 2010 Chardonnay Earth Day bottle, featuring a striking new label depicting the beautiful California landscape, designed by a renowned artist Anne Kessler.

“Not only has Fetzer made an important contribution, they have also printed information about the Leave No Trace program on 700,000 bottles of their special Earth Day Chardonnay being sold this year,” says Susy Alkaitis, Leave No Trace’s Deputy Director. “So help kick off this great campaign by joining the Leave No Trace Cause and ‘liking’ Fetzer on Facebook.”

For more information about the Leave No Trace Cause, visit http://apps.facebook.com/causes/4551

About the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics:
The award-winning Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is the international leader in sustainable recreation practices. The nonprofit organization teaches children and adults vital skills to minimize their impacts when they are outdoors. Leave No Trace is the most widely accepted outdoor ethics program used today on public lands across the nation by all types of outdoor recreationists.

About Fetzer Vineyards:
Fetzer Vineyards was founded in 1968 in beautiful Mendocino County and has been a pioneer of California winemaking. Their history is one of ever-evolving quality and innovation and a progressive, hands-on approach to earth-friendly practices. At Fetzer they’ve always believed that the more they refine their winemaking practices to be in harmony with the environment, the more they improve the quality of their wines – and of everyday life. Find out more about Fetzer Wines and “like” them on www.facebook.com/fetzer.

Backyard Session coming to Missoula!

Share your ideas about Leave No Trace and ways to increase community action and volunteerism at the REI Missoula store on Thursday, March 24th from 6pm-7:30pm.

Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics Education Director, Ben Lawhon from Boulder, CO will be hosting this Backyard Session along with Bob Hoverson, Program Manager for the Ninemile Wildlands Training Center, a provider of the Leave No Trace Master Educator Course. Join area educators, volunteers and members to discuss all things Leave No Trace for your community, especially training opportunities. Enjoy some pizza and a rumored appearance from Leave No Trace's Bigfoot at the event.

Leave No Trace Backyard Sessions are designed to bring local Leave No Trace communities together. They are social, fun interactions and include at least one form of Leave No Trace training. Backyard Sessions will encourage volunteerism and motivate people to get more involved with Leave No Trace education and action at the local level. Backyard Sessions enable communities to facilitate and support more local collaboration and volunteerism around Leave No Trace.

Spots are limited so Register Now for this Missoula Backyard Session!

Leave No Trace Polo Shirts are on sale!

Now you can look your best, and promote your favorite cause at the same time. Great for the casual days in the office, or presenting Leave No Trace when a t-shirt isn't appropriate.

These super comfortable Polo shirts are made by Econscious out of 100% organic cotton, and are durable, comfortable, and great looking!

For the month of March, these are 20% off the regular price of $29.95! You can find them in the online store.

Rudy, One of our February Bigfoot Challenge Winners!

For February's Bigfoot Challenge we asked people to share their challenge ideas with us. We received so many creative and fun challenge ideas! Upon winning, we asked our three challenge winners such as Rudy, to share their Leave No Trace story with us. This is Rudy's story...

My original intent in becoming a Leave No Trace volunteer (back around 1990 or so) was to be more effective in my role as an adult leader in Boy Scouting. I have been active in hiking, camping and backpacking for over 50 years and wanted to share my enjoyment of the outdoors with the boys in my Troop. In the beginning I was very disappointed that the boys had no clue about the environmental effects of their actions and that Boy Scouting didn't include Leave No Trace training as part of their program. Then I learned that Boy Scouts of America was developing a Leave No Trace Awareness award and was looking for adults to get trained as Leave No Trace instructors, so I signed up and participated in a program taught by the ATC in Gorham, NH. After completing the course, I began to promote the Leave No Trace Awareness award both in my Troop and in our District. In time I left Scouting, but have continued to teach and promote Leave No Trace through courses that I have offered at the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum in Warner, NH and at The Little Nature Museum in Contoocook, NH. I also incorporate Leave No Trace principles into programs that I teach to home school groups throughout NH.

I feel that Leave No Trace is important for many reasons. One is the quality of our outdoor experiences and the preservation of that feeling that I am in a place where no person has ever been before, that I have found a "secret place"; I can only experience this if those who have been here before me have practiced Leave No Trace. Another reason why Leave No Trace is important is that we can only take steps to reduce our impact upon the environment if we know what that impact is, and the seven principles of Leave No Trace put those impacts into language that I can understand and give me specific actions that I can perform to reduce them. If the millions of humans who venture into the outdoors would commit to the principles of Leave No Trace then we could make a huge positive impact upon our environment. What I have learned, however, is that few people will attend a Leave No Trace program unless they have to, and this is why I incorporate the Leave No Trace principles into the classes that I offer. For example, I teach classes on primitive fire-starting skills, and along with all of the basic fire safety concepts I also include a section on reducing campfire impact. When I teach a map and compass program I include a section on traveling on durable surfaces and discuss the differences between front-country and back-country travel. In the context of a bigger experience, people can be taught about Leave No Trace.

For Leave No Trace to be effective, the most important audience for us to reach is the children. They need to be reached early while they are still able to listen and understand, and they need to be taught in ways that will be effective. And while it is true that our planet is facing overwhelming environmental issues, Leave No Trace still plays a critical role. Someone once said, "if you want to clean up the world, first clean your own room", and someone else said that "a journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step". Leave No Trace helps us to take that first step and to understand environmental consequences.

Thank you Rudy for your story and all that you do to support the efforts of Leave No Trace!
Congratulations on winning February's Bigfoot Challenge!


Take March's Bigfoot Challenge and become eligible to win great Coleman prize packages!

Going Local: 2011 Backyard Sessions!

In 2011, the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics introduces a new social activism and environmental stewardship program called the Backyard Sessions. Backyard Sessions bring together and activate local communities to find ways to incorporate Leave No Trace into all of the ways we live and play.

Backyard Sessions are social events where all types of Leave No Trace supporters, members, volunteers and partners will gather, meet new friends, learn about current Leave No Trace programs, make plans, share food, drink and camaraderie. Sessions may include the following elements:

· Opportunity to meet others in your community, volunteers and Leave No Trace staff at local REI or other retailer, park or open space

· Outdoor service project like a clean up or trail work

· Kids training utilizing our PEAK program activities

· Family outdoor activity, from a hike to picnic in local or state park

· Leave No Trace Awareness Workshop

· Guest speakers (partners, science/research resident experts and others who will talk about their involvement with Leave No Trace)

· Bigfoot appearance and Bigfoot Challenge

Check out this video about the Houston, TX Backyard Session that took place on February 26th, 2011. A complete listing of the Center's 2011 slate of Backyard Sessions will be published soon so stay tuned. If you are interested in learning more about Backyard Session, contact Outreach Manager Dave Winter.

Houston Backyard Session

Houston, TX - A little over a week ago, Team East joined Texas State Advocate, Griff Danheim, to organize the second Backyard Session of the year. Eleven community members, representing a wide variety of local organizations, came out for the event at the Houston-Galleria REI and participated in a PEAK training and a brainstorming session resulting in exciting ideas and momentum-building for Leave No Trace events in the Houston area.

The local organizations that were represented included the Woods Project, the Boy Scouts of America, Citizens Environmental Coalition, Gulf Coast Recycling Council, Keep Houston Beautiful, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, and Bayou Preservation Association.

Backyard Sessions are new in 2011. They are a chance for community members to mingle and share their ideas with area educators, volunteers, community partners, and members to discuss all things Leave No Trace for their community.

Look out for Backyard Sessions coming to your area as well as a chance to see Leave No Trace Bigfoot at the event!

If you would like to host a Backyard Session in your own community contact Betsy Workman, Leave No Trace Outreach Coordinator Betsy@LNT.org!

All the best,

Agata and Jason

building Better Communities Starts With Youth

Two students prepare their Wooley Pockets

East Palo Alto, CA. As Traveling Trainers, we try to participate in community events as often as possible. We have enjoyed countless river clean ups, participated in National Public Lands Day, and have worked to improve our trails because, after all, it is all about leaving a place better than you found it!

Leave No Trace is about making good decisions in the out of doors in order to keep our public lands sustainable. We saw, first hand, how important it is to connect children with nature, no matter where you live.

Yesterday, Team West was able to participate in helping a 5th grade class at East Palo Alto Academy plant their own little community garden. With little space on the school grounds to plant a garden in the ground, this class held a bake sale at the begining of the school year to raise the funds to purchase Wooley Pockets (garden pockets that hang on a fence) and other various supplies that would be needed for this start up project.

Each of the students selected which fruit or vegetable they would like to plant in their Wooley Pocket. Determining the distance between each seedling, depending on the type of plant selected, posed as a challenging math lesson for the students! It was exciting to hear about how enthusiastic they were to watch the growth of their hard work each day at recess. Although the plants will not be ready to eat until June, the memories created during this experience will last a lifetime.

Thank you to Ms. Bullock for creating this opportunity for her students and for us as well.

Explore Responsibly...Kate and Tracy

Nature Name "Carbon" and two of her friends cradle their starter plants.

Hammocks Beach State Park

Ever wondered if you can adapt Leave No Trace principles to high traffic, tourist type settings? You sure can!! Check it!

Hammocks Beach State Park in North Carolina has recently received the 2010 Group Project Sustainability Award. The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Sustainability Conference awarded the park for it's efforts in designating Bear Island a Trash Free area and removing all waste receptacles from the island. Making visitors now responsible for removing their own trash.

Park Ranger Jacob Vitak, who is responsible for initiating the program, says he based the project on the Leave No Trace program. Click here to learn more about this spearheading effort.

Leave No Trace Volunteerism

We are coming upon national volunteer month in another few weeks, so thought I'd take this opportunity to recognize our awesome State Advocate volunteers. These individuals serve as volunteer coordinators in their state, assisting Leave No Trace educators and volunteers with local efforts to promote and teach minimum impact outdoor ethics.

The State Advocate Program is sponsored by Keen Footwear’s Hybrid.Care, which helps fund community events and programs. This year, State Advocates will be instrumental in helping organize or promote the Leave No Trace "Backyard Sessions."

The "Backyard Sessions" are community social events to generate local support and volunteerism for the the Leave No Trace program. With successful Backyard Sessions having occurred already in San Diego and Houston, stay tuned for one near you in the coming months.

If you haven't already, check in with your State Advocate to find out what's going on in your area: http://lnt.org/01_community/index.php

If you notice a vacancy in your state, contact sarah@LNT.org to find out how to apply for this volunteer position!

Photo above: Our ID Advocate Paul Holle at a Sierra Trading Post event.

Quapaw Canoe Company Trainer Course

Helena, AR - Last weekend March 5th and 6th, Team East instructed a two day Trainer Course with Leave No Trace partner Quapaw Canoe Company on the banks of the "Big Muddy." The weather forecast over the weekend was stormy, but the 13 course participants from Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas stayed positive and enjoyed the Helena outpost's warm and dry space as our classroom for the first day.

The weather cooperated and the decision to get on the river on Sunday sent a palpable thrill through the group! Driving the Quapaw Chevies down the levy to the put-in was a chilly shuttle Sunday morning, but the group loaded the canoes and were on the water for an early morning adventure.

We were also lucky to have two Mighty Quapaw apprentices as participants on the course as well as our captains for the river trip. The Center awarded the apprenticeship program a Connect Grant so these two young men could take the Trainer Course and then share the Leave No Trace information they learned with the people they will guide on the Lower Mississippi River.

For many (including ourselves) on the course this was the first paddling experience on the Mighty Mississippi River. This was definitely an experience to remember as the video hopefully illustrates! A warm thank you to John "Driftwood" Ruskey, founder, director, and river guide of the Quapaw Canoe Company.

May the river be with you,

Agata and Jason

Nevada Red Rocks Vandalism

I was recently given an article about vandalism in the Nevada Red Rocks and was interested in what it had to say because I have a strong past with the Red Rocks. The Nevada Red Rocks were my backyard for many years when I was a young. I grew up with family and girl scout trips to go hiking and camping in the Red Rocks. I don't remember seeing any graffiti when I lived there but now that Las Vegas is expanding into the Red Rocks the graffiti that has been seen in the city is now seen in the Red Rocks. The Red Rocks were an escape from the city for my family and many others who lived in Las Vegas. Pretty soon we won't have anywhere to escape. I want children and adults to enjoy the Red Rocks that I know and love. We can keep them pristine and free from vandalism by leaving no trace. Help keep the Red Rocks and the rest of our lands as beautiful as they have always been by educating yourself and your community about Leave No Trace. The Leave No Trace website has many educational tools to help you do your part in helping preserve and protect the lands that we love. Please visit www.lnt.org for more information.

Bigfoot Learns to Bugle (like an elk)!

Hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts stormed the Sparks Convention Center in Reno, NV for the 27th Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Expo, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. For four days, the exhibit hall was brimming with people young and old, and the sound of elk bugling filled the air. Even Bigfoot came out to display his skills of calling his elk friends, as he does in the wild!

We joined staff from Ninemile Wildlands Training Center and the US Forest Service to set up a Leave No Trace Hunting/Packing Camp at the show. This was a great opportunity to educate folks about minimum impact hunting and camping practices. We would like to thank Bob Hoverson and his crew for inviting us to take part in this event, and for all of their efforts to share Leave No Trace with the hunting community. You guys rock!

Explore & Hunt Responsibly...Kate & Tracy

Bag it - a documentary on plastic

Bag It Intro from Suzan Beraza on Vimeo.

Help Leave No Trace get $10,000

We need your help to get a $10,000 gift from Fetzer Vineyards. Fetzer has pledged to give Leave No Trace $1 for every person who joins the Leave No Trace page on Causes.com from now until May.

Between the months of March to May, for every person who joins the Leave No Trace Cause and “likes” the Fetzer Facebook page, Fetzer will donate $1 to Leave No Trace. The contribution will support Leave No Trace’s work to reach hundreds of thousands of people this year, with vital environmental education to help them enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

Fetzer Vineyards, based in Mendocino County California prides itself on its earth-friendly wines and environmentally sustainable wine production practices. In keeping with its mission, Fetzer Vineyards has chosen Leave No Trace as its Cause to celebrate Earth Day, 2011, as well as 25 years of pioneering environmentally responsible reds and whites.

And check your local store in April when Fetzer will be releasing a limited edition 2010 Chardonnay Earth Day bottle, featuring a striking new label depicting the beautiful California landscape, designed by a renowned artist Anne Kessler.

Photo of the Week 3/4/11

Leave No Trace Crime Scene at the 27th Annual Elk Camp, Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Expo in Reno, NV. This event is sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

KIPP Delta College Preparatory School

Helena, AR - Team East visited the 5th-8th grades at the KIPP Delta College Preparatory School. The students in attendance were learning more about responsible outdoor recreation and their role as stewards of nature in preparation for their end of the year trip to a number of national parks out west.

Above the students are practicing the "Rule of Thumb," a useful skill to gauge safe distances for viewing wildlife and considering the principle Respect Wildlife.

The KIPP Delta College Preparatory School is a place where "the chief aim is that all of our students will be able to attend the college or university of their choice and be able to find success there and beyond".

The opportunity to work with such motivated students was a pleasure and we look forward to the next opportunity to work with the KIPP Delta College Preparatory School.

All the best,

Agata and Jason

Leave No Trace Trainer Course in Scotland!

One of our Guide and Outfitter Partners, Boots N Paddles from Scotland recently wrote us to let us know about a Trainer Course they are offering at the end of the month.

Boots N Paddles will be running a 2-day Leave No Trace Trainers' course in March.

Course Description: Leave No Trace is an international programme designed to assist outdoor enthusiasts with their decisions on how to reduce their impact when they walk, camp, bike, paddle, ski or climb. This Trainers’ Course is designed for teachers, outdoor instructors and countryside rangers who guide people into the outdoors. Successful graduates of this Trainers’ Course are accredited to run Leave No Trace awareness workshops for their colleagues, clients and communities.

What is provided? Trainer, course materials, certificate, venue for indoor sessions, tea & coffee during the first morning.

What do you need to take? Outdoor clothing & footwear, overnight gear for bothy, packed lunches (x2) plus overnight food, notepad & pen.

Dates/times: 09.30 Thurs 24th through to 17.00 on Fri 25th March 2011 (incl overnight).

Venue: Boots N Paddles office, Cabrich, Near Inverness, Scotland (plus overnight bothy expedition in Strathconon).

Cost: £80+VAT (£96 incl VAT)

About Boots N Paddles:

We are a mobile outdoor adventure activity company with bases in Inverness and Aviemore, in the Highlands of Scotland. We're privileged to be in a part of the country with endless opportunities for adventure on our doorstep, and we want you to share them with us.

We can provide skills courses, coaching, holidays and fun days out in outdoor pursuits including archery, sea kayaking, open canoeing, mountain biking, hill walking, summer and winter mountaineering, climbing, abseiling, gorge walking and WoW Balls.

We also cater for stag and hen parties, can support fund-raising or sporting events, can organise mini Scottish Highland Games for you or a wildlife holiday. You can even hire canoes or sea kayaks from us and let us bring them to you.

Join us for an adventure in the breathtaking Highlands of Scotland.

Discovering the Leave No Trace Principles Through Art

A busy Team West wrapped up February with an awareness workshop in Cudahy, CA at the Ellen Ochoa Learning Center working with an excited group of 70 sixth grade students. Following a comprehensive introduction to the Leave No Trace PEAK (Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids) Program, the students were instructed to select one of the 7 principles that resonated with them. Once each student selected a principle, we asked them to get those creative juices flowing and illustrate the principle that they selected. In the picture above, one inspired student chose to represent "Leave What You Find" by demonstrating one way to remember the natural world without taking it home to be displayed in your living room. Can you think of other ways to remember items, thereby Leaving What You Find?

Remember natural items derive their power from the environment from which they came!

Explore Responsibly...Kate and Tracy

Job Opportunity at Leave No Trace!

The Leave No Trace e-tour team is ready to hit the road and we are seeking a dynamic duo of educators to join our crew!

Sponsored by the Coleman Company, The North Face and Subaru, the e-tour brings hands-on Leave No Trace demonstrations, interactive activities, and general Leave No Trace education to schools, camps and youth-serving organizations from May through November in 2011.

Do you have a passion for teaching and working with youth? Are you looking to work with a friend or a significant other? If you answered yes to these questions then THIS is the job for you!

For more details, check out the E-TOUR JOB POSTING.

Deadline to apply is March 9th.

Adventure Play at the Parish School

Yesterday, Team East had the opportunity to visit the The Parish School in Houston, TX. The Parish School specializes in teaching children with language and learning differences. We worked with the after-school program, Adventure Play, where students create their own playground and build it themselves with the tools and supplies that are available. The program also has a natural outdoor space available for the students to explore and learn in and the program director, Jill Wood, wanted a chance to expose the students to the Leave No Trace program so they could take care of this space.


We introduced the fifteen students to Leave No Trace by facilitating What Principle Am I? from the PEAK pack and Surface Hopscotch from 101 Way to Teach Leave No Trace. We showed the students gear, such as binoculars and boots, that would help them Leave No Trace and explored which surfaces are durable and which are less so in their outdoor space. The group was very excited to show off their playground and to learn about our program!

All the best,

Agata and Jason