Adirondack Mountain Club

Lake Placid, NY -- Over Memorial Day weekend, we had the pleasure of working with program partner the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks. Over the course of five days we interacted with hundreds of visitors and ADK staff and even managed to squeeze in over 30 miles of hiking. There were countless of opportunities to talk about Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces since the trails were quite muddy from all the rain this region has been getting over the spring. When it's muddy we encourage people to hike down the middle of the trail to avoid widening the trail and contributing to erosion. It was great to see so many people enjoying themselves, and getting muddy, in the mountains!

All the best,

Agata and Jason

Where Will Your Chacos Take You This Summer?

Depending on where you live, there is nothing quite like reconnecting with your Chaco sandals after the hiatus that is winter. Recently, we had the opportunity to spend time connecting with nature on Willipa Bay, WA. During our time there, we observed a bald eagle perched on driftwood, witnessed a black bear rolling around in the sea grass, and were even able to harvest oysters as the tide rolled out! It is a rare experience that we forage for our own food, so undoubtedly our hard work enhanced the flavor of each and every oyster. There is something special about being part of the cycle that brings food to your own table. That escapade was all the more enjoyable with the knowledge that our feet would be well protected because our Chacos would be the main contact with the mysterious sludge that lie beneath our feet. Oh what a day!

Where will your Chacos take you this summer?

Explore Responsibly…Kate and Tracy

Leave No Trace - Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

From Larry Glickman, Park Ranger and Utah Leave No Trace & Tread Lightly Coordinator for the Bureau of Land Management at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

"From the Master Educator course we just completed here in Escalante, UT (May 23-27) at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Some of the course participants were so excited that they were 'channeling the Leave No Trace spirit...'"

How do you "channel the spirit" of Leave No Trace?

Urban Strawberry

Life is tough as an urban strawberry. Choose The Right Path, and be sure not to jam up someone else's day!

Mark and Tara

2011 e-tour team

Gettin' Crazy with Crazy Creek!

Red Loge, MT. On this glorious Memorial Day weekend, we trust that responsible recreation is taking place all across the country. Team West will be enjoying all of the splendor that beautiful Montana has to offer. The snowfall persists in this region as Beartooth Pass is expected to see one to two feet of fresh powder this weekend! As a result, Bear Tooth Pass will not officially be opening as scheduled. This fact, however, will not stop the celebration that is slated to occur tomorrow from 11 a.m. -3 p.m. at Crazy Creek in Red Lodge, MT. Crazy Creek, a long time supporter of the Leave No Trace program, will have the BBQ fired up, be raffling away prizes, and of course we will be on hand to provide Leave No Trace outreach. Please stop by and join in on the fun if you are in the area. Rumor has it that Bigfoot will be on hand to participate in the festivities.

If your recreating has you enjoying the outdoors in a different region of the country, not to worry- you can still get in on the Crazy Creek action. Crazy Creek is this month's sponsor for the Bigfoot Challenge. Take a few minutes to enter by the end of this weekend and you could potentially win sweet gear from Crazy Creek! It's simple, click here to get yourself entered, it is fast and free! Happy Memorial Day.

Explore Responsibly...Kate and Tracy

Happy summer - will you Leave No Trace?

Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer. If you are like most people your mind is already focused on the great activities you have planned this weekend. Hiking? Biking? Fishing? Camping? Where will the weekend take you?

Are you planning to Leave No Trace?

This summer millions of people will join you in outdoor activities. You practice Leave No Trace, but will each of them? Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is currently amidst a campaign to bring critical Leave No Trace awareness to the public during the busy summer season.

We can only be successful with your help. Pledge your support now as a sponsor for the e-tour, our program to reach out to those who need to hear about Leave No Trace.

With your support we can reach more than 10,000 people by the fall.

A visit to the Eastern Shore...

...would not be complete without a stop at the Adkins Arboretum, in Ridgely, Maryland. On the advice of some close friends we spent a few hours roaming the gentle paths among acres of native plant species. This fellow nonprofit organization demonstrates the beauty and importance of being careful to 'leave what you find' when traveling to new locales. The spread of invasive species can easily disrupt terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems. For those looking for more information on invasive species in your area, try the National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC). Here a few shots from our time at the arboretum:

Smelling the flowers...

...a perusing pollinator...

...and reflections in the river.

Mark & Tara

2011 etour Team

White Mountain Day

Camp Dodge, New Hampshire--Earlier this week we had the chance to work alongside two Leave No Trace partners, the National Forest Service and the Appalachian Mountain Club, in preparation for the upcoming 2011 summer season in the White Mountains. The views of the Presidential Range from the training were a little distracting, but the trail crews, backcountry hut staff, and volunteer program guides were stoked to discuss their experiences teaching Leave No Trace in the field. The audience asked great questions about how to introduce the ethics of responsible outdoor recreation with the thousands of visitors they will talk to this season over the course of the day's sessions.

Thanks to Alex Delucia for the invitation to visit with the crews and enjoy the company of so many great friends and supporters of Leave No Trace!

All the best,

Jason and Agata

Leave No Trace Backyard Sessions in Seattle June 27th and June 28th, 2011

In 2011 the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics introduces a new social activism and environmental stewardship campaign called the Backyard Sessions. Backyard Sessions are designed to bring together and activate local Leave No Trace communities; to find ways communities can incorporate Leave No Trace into all of the ways they live and play. Backyard Sessions hope to inspire 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. Check out this the video on the Backyard Sessions page to learn more, click here.

The Center will be hosting two Backyard Session in Seattle:

June 27th at the Mountaineers from 7-9PM

Please RSVP to Bigfoot@LNT.org

June 28th from 6:00-8:00PM at the Seattle REI Flagship Store

Please RSVP here, http://www.rei.com/event/24565/session/30347

Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics Outreach Manager, Dave Winter and Education Programs Manager Sarah Folzenlogen, from Boulder, CO will be hosting this Backyard Sessions along with Jordan Mammel, Mount Rainier National Park Ranger.

The Seattle Backyard Sessions are a unique opportunity for Leave No Trace educators, members and partners to gather and work together towards the common goals of responsible outdoor recreation. These Backyard Sessions are a forum for education, discussion and awareness in a fun, social atmosphere. It provides our supporters, you, with a first hand look at ways to get involved locally.

More Specifics about these two Backyard Sessions:
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics recently nominated Mount Rainier National Park’s Paradise Area as a Leave No Trace Hot Spot. Currently in its second year, the Leave No Trace Hot Spots initiative aims to raise awareness about natural areas around the country facing the threat of irreversible environmental damage. As part of the initiative, The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics works with volunteers, nonprofit organizations, friends groups and governmental agencies to reduce the impact of recreational activities in the selected endangered area. This goal is achieved through community outreach, education, training, signage, educational materials and local collaboration.

Join area educators, partners, volunteers and members to sign up for volunteer opportunities at Mount Rainier National Park, learn about upcoming Leave No Trace trainings in the area and discuss all things Leave No Trace for your community. Enjoy some food, refreshments, networking with other Leave No Trace supporters and a rumored appearance from Leave No Trace’s Bigfoot at the event.

Education in Motion: June Training from our Traveling Teams

The Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers as well as the Leave No Trace e-tour Team are conducting the following training events across the country in June. For more information about these or to attend, visit their calendars.

Team East June Calendar – http://tinyurl.com/42hbluy
Team West June Calendar - http://tinyurl.com/3f97tup
E-tour June Calendar – http://tinyurl.com/3zd85dq

California:

• High Sierra Music Festival - Quincy

Idaho:

• Boise Rec Fest - Boise

Maine:

• Acadia National Park - Winter Harbor
• Boy Scouts of America Order of the Arrow - Walpole

Maryland:

• Rocky Gap State Park - Flintstone
• Maryland Green Schools - Annapolis
• Baltimore Inner City Outings - Baltimore
• Potomac Appalachian Trail Picnic & Family Weekend - Boonsboro

Massachusetts:

• Christodora's Manice Education Center - Florida
• The North Face Explore Your Parks - Boston

Minnesota:

• Camp Kooch-I-Ching - International Falls
• Voyageurs National Park - International Falls
  

Montana:

• Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park - Whitehall
• Bozeman Community Training - Bozeman

New Hampshire:

• Upper Valley Trails Alliance, Dartmouth Outing Club, Hanover Area Friends of the AT - Hanover
• The Appalachian Mountain Club - Crawford Notch
• Student Conservation Association - Charlestown

New York:

• Boy Scouts of America Scout Pack 754 - Flushing
• The North Face Outdoor Nation Youth Summit - New York City

North Dakota:

• Geocachers - Bismarck
• Local Girl Scouts - Bismarck
• Boy Scouts of America Troop 123 - Bismarck
  

Washington D.C:

• The North Face Endurance Challenge

Need a FREE Leave No Trace Activity for Kids?

As Traveling Trainers, we understand the importance of consistently having kids actively engaged in our workshops. By having kids saying, hearing, seeing, and doing, the retention rate of the information will be much higher.

Since 2001, Leave No Trace has been in a partnership with REI to present our youth program called PEAK, Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids, which currently reaches 120,000 youth annually. The program is presented as a “pack” of six activities. Additional activities, a Teen program and materials in Spanish are also available on our on-line store. The PEAK program can be purchased from the Center or is available through the “Packing with PEAK” grant. You could also contact your local State Advocate or REI store to inquire about borrowing a PEAK Pack. Why not try out one of the sample activities available free of cost, which is available on our website. Click here for more information.

As the weather gets warmer, challenge your children or students to a round of Okay or No Way! This activity represents a win-win situation for parents and elementary school teachers. First, the game acts as a catalyst to introducing youth to the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Second, this activity will get your students running around outside to expel some of their end of the school year energy!

Explore Responsibly...Kate and Tracy

Backpacking in Cedar Mesa Utah

A couple pictures from a recent trip in the Cedar Mesa area of Utah. Beautiful country, and we didn't see another person for four days. Plenty of durable surfaces for travel and camping. But we were constantly surrounded by cryptobiotic soils, so had to watch where we walked when traveling between canyons. We were faced with many unique concerns in order to minimize our impacts when traveling in canyon country.


Great friends with Jacob's Chair in the background.


Sometimes the "trail" was a little narrow.


The area is full of artifacts and ruins. Do you know your Leave No Trace for Heritage Areas?




We couldn't have made a more perfect campsite. Flat rock scores high on the durability index, while also providing a great night of sleep.

Explore Your Parks: Mason Neck State Park

This past Saturday the e-tour team joined their outfitting sponsor The North Face at the first Explore Your Parks event of the season at Mason Neck State Park in Lorton, Virginia. All of the youth at the event enjoyed a hike along the shoreline and had a chance to try out the 'rule of thumb' as they respected the abundant wildlife in the park. In no time, we saw eagles, blue herons, salamanders, and even a marsh turtle along the Bayview Trail.

Don't miss your chance to attend an Explore Your Parks event this summer! See you there.

Soak up the sun.

Mark & Tara 2011 e-tour team

Picture of the Week 5/22/11

In Washington, D.C. this week, the e-tour was reminded to preserve the past and Leave What You Find.

Expanded Polystyrene Foam

Yesterday was my assigned blog day....and I forgot to post. So I'm making up for it today with a quick little post and call to action surrounding the issue of Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPF), commonly known as Styrofoam. If you live in California, please help raise awareness for Senate Bill 568 banning the use of EPF take-out food packaging. You can read more about Bill 568 and the greater issue of EPF at http://www.surfrider.org/coastal-blog/entry/can-california-ban-the-foam-only-with-your-help?sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4dd4900fdd11e7cf%2C0

Thanks for reading!

Team East Visits Troop 163 in Western New York

Webster, New York - Team East had the opportunity to meet with Troop 163 earlier this week to talk about Leave No Trace. The troop was very interested in learning about the seven principles of the program and how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly!

Over the course of the evening the scouts were challenged to make connections between the program and outdoor adventures in the future. The busy summer season ahead will offer many opportunities for Troop 163 to use the principles as guidelines for safe and responsible outdoor recreation!

All the best,

Jason and Agata

Memorial Day Excursions Anyone?

Red Lodge, MT. Memorial Day is the holiday that is responsible for unofficially kicking off the summer season. Already five months into 2011, it is evident that time moves quickly, but it is challenging not to revel in the idea of longer days, more sunshine, camping, and grilling out with friends and family.

For many, Memorial Day signals reaching into the depths of the closet to pull out all the gear that so patiently awaited the wintry thaw. Our friends and supporters at Crazy Creek are clinging to winter just a little bit longer. They have invited the Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers to the annual pilgrimage of skiers and boarders and others to the opening of Beartooth Pass outside of Red Lodge, MT. Historically, people camp on the roadside and hike over to intense skiing and snowboarding opportunities. We will be set up in the Crazy Creek parking on Sunday May 29^th , 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Crazy Creek, 1401 S. Broadway, Red Lodge, MT. In addition, there will be drawings for fabulous prizes at the event. Prizes include mapping software, a Beartooth Bike Tour for two, an Adventure Whitewater raft trip for two, Crazy Creek Chairs, “Who Pooped in the Park” books for children, maps and other fun prizes.

Once the sun sets, we will relive the day's activity as we take it easy at the Pollard Hotel. Special thanks to Pollard Hotel for generously donating a room and hosting us for the weekend. If you're ever in Red Lodge, MT, pop in for a relaxing stay!

We look forward to creating new memories that signify the passing of winter and spring and the welcoming of summer. What kind of adventure does Memorial Day weekend hold for you?

Explore Responsibly...Kate and Tracy

Ready, set, FLEDGE!

What a beautiful country we live in! Watching fields of greenery, bursting Spring colors, bounding deer, curious raccoons, and stoic raptors is giving us plenty of time to contemplate what an amazing opportunity you have granted us. Yes, YOU! We are able to bring the important messages of responsible recreation and stewardship to youth around the country because of your generous donations and membership to Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Not a member? Want to sponsor us for a day? You can arrange to give a gift from our sponsorship page. To those of you who have given already, we cannot thank you enough, and are excited to share our experiences teaching and living Leave No Trace. We want to hear from all of you, so please share your thoughts and check back often. Everyday is sure to be an adventure.

Mark and Tara

2011 e-tour team

The Camporee Season is Upon Us

Lebanon, PA - This past weekend, we attended our first Boy Scout Camporee of the season at Union Canal Tunnel Park. Over 600 Boys Scouts, Cubs, leaders and parents were in attendance for a day of activities that included an archery range, a BB gun range, a trapping exhibit, fun games, and of course the Leave No Trace station. We spoke with over a 100 scouts and parents and introduced them to the seven principles of Leave No Trace, and found the members of the Pennsylvania Dutch Council excited to learn about the program.

All the best,

Agata and Jason

The Camporee Season is Upon Us

Lebanon, PA - This past weekend, we attended our first Boy Scout Camporee of the season at Union Canal Tunnel Park. Over 600 Boys Scouts, Cubs, leaders and parents were in attendance for a day of activities that included an archery range, a BB gun range, a trapping exhibit, fun games, and of course the Leave No Trace station. We spoke with over a 100 scouts and parents and introduced them to the seven principles of Leave No Trace, and found the members of the Pennsylvania Dutch Council excited to learn about the program.

All the best,

Agata and Jason

The Camporee Season is Upon Us

Lebanon, PA - This past weekend, we attended our first Boy Scout Camporee of the season at Union Canal Tunnel Park. Over 600 Boys Scouts, Cubs, leaders and parents were in attendance for a day of activities that included an archery range, a BB gun range, a trapping exhibit, fun games, and of course the Leave No Trace station. We spoke with over a 100 scouts and parents and introduced them to the seven principles of Leave No Trace, and found the members of the Pennsylvania Dutch Council excited to learn about the program.

All the best,

Agata and Jason

The Camporee Season is Upon Us

Lebanon, PA - This past weekend, we attended our first Boy Scout Camporee of the season at Union Canal Tunnel Park. Over 600 Boys Scouts, Cubs, leaders and parents were in attendance for a day of activities that included an archery range, a BB gun range, a trapping exhibit, fun games, and of course the Leave No Trace station. We spoke with over a 100 scouts and parents and introduced them to the seven principles of Leave No Trace, and found the members of the Pennsylvania Dutch Council excited to learn about the program.

All the best,

Agata and Jason

The Camporee Season is Upon Us

Lebanon, PA - This past weekend, we attended our first Boy Scout Camporee of the season at Union Canal Tunnel Park. Over 600 Boys Scouts, Cubs, leaders and parents were in attendance for a day of activities that included an archery range, a BB gun range, a trapping exhibit, fun games, and of course the Leave No Trace station. We spoke with over a 100 scouts and parents and introduced them to the seven principles of Leave No Trace, and found the members of the Pennsylvania Dutch Council excited to learn about the program.

All the best,

Agata and Jason

The Camporee Season is Upon Us

Lebanon, PA - This past weekend, we attended our first Boy Scout Camporee of the season at Union Canal Tunnel Park. Over 600 Boys Scouts, Cubs, leaders and parents were in attendance for a day of activities that included an archery range, a BB gun range, a trapping exhibit, fun games, and of course the Leave No Trace station. We spoke with over a 100 scouts and parents and introduced them to the seven principles of Leave No Trace, and found the members of the Pennsylvania Dutch Council excited to learn about the program.

All the best,

Agata and Jason

Mount Rainier Trainer Course

Mount Rainier National Park, WA.

Mount Rainier was designated as the 5th National Park on March 2nd, 1899. The mountain's majestic allure beckons nearly 12,000 people yearly to attempt summiting the 14,410 foot peak. Of all who venture up the rugged glacial terrain, only half experience the exhilaration of success.

This weekend, Team West trained eight of Mount Rainier National Park's Climbing Rangers and two Park Rangers that patrol the most visited area of the park, Paradise. The course highlighted the Authority of the Resource Technique, created by George Wallace, which is a non-confrontational way of approaching visitors that are exhibiting "less than Leave No Trace" behaviors. Through role play and real-life scenarios, the rangers learned the importance of explaining the consequences of these undesirable behaviors to the visitors they encounter, in order to elicit positive behavior change.

The rangers at Mount Rainier work in a fragile alpine ecosystem that requires respect and knowledge of the environment in order to minimize potential impacts on the land. Hats off to our new ranger friends! We wish you a safe and healthy season.

Explore Responsibly...Kate & Tracy

Leave No Trace in the air

On a recent flight to D.C. I noticed Leave No Trace-ish information in an airplane lavatory of all places. I've seen this many times before but for some reason it just jumped out at me that, in essence, this is Leave No Trace.



Where have you seen this kind of thing...?

Picture of the Week 5/13/11

Keep Wildlife Wild by not feeding them! Happy International Migratory Bird Day!

Come on tour with e-tour

A few weeks ago you read about our 2011 e-tour team, Mark and Tara. The team has spent the last two weeks here at The Center becoming Master Educators and preparing to teach Leave No Trace to outdoor visitors this busy summer season.

One final preparation is needed before they can leave – your sponsorship. We need help to send the team across the country this summer. Will you sponsor the e-tour team for a day or two, or even a week? Just $30.30 sponsors one trainer for one day and has a big impact. The team teaches approximately 125 per day, so more than 10,000 people will learn about Leave No Trace by summer’s end!

As an e-tour sponsor you are helping to spread responsible recreation and preserve our favorite places to camp, hike, bike — whatever activity you enjoy. 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. The e-tour provides basic Leave No Trace education programs that inspire youth to get outside while promoting responsible enjoyment of the outdoors.

Thank you for practicing Leave No Trace as you explore outdoors this summer – and thank you for sponsoring the e-tour so others can Leave No Trace as well. Take a moment now to sponsor the e-tour trainers Mark and Tara, and send them a note of encouragement as they meet summer travelers and share Leave No Trace.

Winthrop Weekly

Bigfoot prepares for the 49er Days Parade

Winthrop, WA. This past week Traveling Trainer Team West has been enjoying the quaint western town of Winthrop, WA, located just east of the North Cascades Range. Our week started with a visit to Liberty Bell Middle School, where we worked with the 7th graders. This was a unique opportunity to provide advanced education, as we visited the same classroom at the beginning of their school year in September. The following day we worked with every 6th grade student from Omak Middle School. The students will be attending Outdoor Camp later this month, so our visit was a welcome introduction to their outing.

Over the weekend, we took part in the 66th annual 49er Days Parade and Celebration. The festivities celebrate the old west and includes covered wagons, horse back riders, fire trucks, parade floats, and BIGFOOT! After the parade, we joined local forest service ranger Laurie Dowie in the park for an afternoon of outreach.
Monday, we visited the fourth graders at Methow Valley Elementary School and we will wraper up our week by visitinging Camp Progress, which will host the 6th graders from Okanogan for 3 weeks of outdoor school. The communities that we have worked with here in Eastern Washington were so welcoming to the Traveling Trainers! We look forward to visiting Methow Valley again in the future.

4th Graders play PEAK activity O.K. or No Way!

Explore Responsibly...Kate and Tracy

Bigfoot Sighting on Bear Mountain

Bear Mountain, NY - Team East caught up with the Big Guy at The North Face Endurance Challenge last weekend to enjoy the sunshine and festive atmosphere of the first endurance challenge of the 2011 season. Bigfoot signed up and and had a lot of fun in the Karno Kids race and for photos and laughs at the finish line!

Be sure to check in your area for the next North Face Endurance Challenge and you could have the chance to meet up with one of the Traveling Trainer teams!

All the best,

Jason and Agata

Leave No Trace Belize Style

Master Educator Stock Frontcountry Pilot Course

The USDA Forest Service Ninemile Wildlands Training Center and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics jointly hosted the second of two pilot Master Educator Courses focusing on frontcountry-specific equestrian issues and impacts. The course was held in mid-April on the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois.

The Johnson Creek Campground was the primary course location, and was a perfect setting to again pilot the supplemental course curriculum, which focused specifically on frontcountry stock impacts. There were 10 participants on the course, representing the USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, Backcountry Horsemen of America, the Illinois Trail Riders, Wisconsin Horse Council and the Backcountry Horsemen of Kentucky. Initial feedback from the course was excellent, and all participants and instructors were pleased with the format, location and content.

Stock-specific impacts and issues in frontcountry include – trash, vehicle impacts, manure, trailhead congestion, parking issues, campfire impacts, grey water disposal, spread of invasive species, safety concerns, muddy trail conditions, water quality issues and potential conflict with other user groups. Throughout the week-long course these issues, as well as the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace, were covered in depth, and the group worked to sort out the issues and impacts.

Moving forward, staff from the Center will work through the remainder of 2011 to finalize this emerging curriculum, which will likely become a supplement to the existing stock/equestrian Master Educator Course curriculum. The intent of both the Center and its agency partners is to begin offering a broader spectrum of Master Educator Courses for equestrians in both frontcountry and backcountry environments that meet their specific needs and riding styles.

This project is the result of a challenge cost share agreement with the USDA Forest Service.

The Skinny on Soap

We often receive questions about soap use in the outdoors, more specifically, how damaging or not “biodegradable" or castile soap is to the environment.Our take on the situation is as follows:
Generally speaking, getting any soap in a water source is not acceptable or recommended. The soap can cause all sorts of issues from increased nitrogen to actually causing significant harm to aquatic inhabitants.

Regarding acceptable Leave No Trace protocols, it’s important to stress that there are still significant impacts from supposedly “completely biodegradable” products. We’ve encountered folks washing dishes with that product in a lake, claiming that it was a safe and acceptable practice. Unfortunately this is not the case, and the manufacturer says as much, and now commonly includes advice to use it 200 feet from water and to dispose it in a cathole. We generally believe that pouring dirty dishwater (which generally contains food smells and fragrances) into the soil will lessen the attraction of wildlife – as compared to the broadcast method, which also broadcasts the smells.

If safety/health issues are a concern—for example, an extended trip or trip involving youth—remember, a little goes a long way. Using hand sanitizer or hand wipes beforehand can also minimize the chance of spreading illness.

Remember, safety and fun are key components to Leave No Trace. Thank you for helping minimize impacts on our public lands!

First Seattle Backyard Session a Success

April 18, 2011, Seattle, WA: The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics conducted a Backyard Session in Seattle, Washington to discuss this year’s Hot Spot at Mount Rainier National Park’s Paradise Area. Mount Rainier National Park rangers, Jordan Mammel and Christine Czazasty, presented an overview of impacts related to recreation at the popular Paradise area within Mount Rainier National Park. Mount Rainier stands as an icon of the Pacific Northwest and it was evident that there is incredible enthusiasm around Mount Rainier and Leave No Trace Programs within the Seattle area. Dave Winter, Leave No Trace’s Outreach Manager, moderated the discussion and lunch held at Seattle’s downtown REI store.

Along with representative from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, individual members, board member and Mount Rainier National Park, participants included representatives from Cascade Designs, Outdoor Research, Eddie Bauer, REI, Groundspeak, Washington Trails Association, The Student Conservation Association, Rainier Mountaineering Incorporated, My Scenic Drives.com, and The Mountaineers.

The next Seattle Backyard Session will be held in June:

June 27th at The Mountaineers Program Center in Seattle, 7-9pm
June 28th at The Seattle REI Flagship Store, 6:30-8pm

If you live in the Seattle area, we would like to invite you to join area educators, partners, volunteers and members to sign up for volunteer opportunities at Mount Rainier National Park, learn about upcoming Leave No Trace trainings in the area and discuss all things Leave No Trace for your community.

About Backyard Sessions
Backyard Sessions encourage Leave No Trace community activism and create a platform for training, environmental youth programs and Leave No Trace–based stewardship activities. Through the Backyard Session program, like-minded people gather together in local communities across the country for fun, social and interactive events to learn how to incorporate Leave No Trace where they live and play. Learn more or bring a Backyard Session to your community at Backyard Sessions.

Education in Motion: May Training from our Traveling Teams

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

Team East May Calendar – http://tinyurl.com/62zpg9u
Team West May Calendar - http://tinyurl.com/5ty8ac9
Leave No Trace e-tour Calendar – http://tinyurl.com/66uow8x

Colorado:
• Shining Mountain School – Boulder
• Legacy Elementary School – Frederick
• 4-H Club – Berthoud
• Colorado State Parks – Walden

Maryland:
• American Hiking Society – Silver Spring
• Queen Anne School – Upper Marlboro
• Sudlersville Middle School – Sudlersville

Montana:
• Beartooth Pass Ride – Red Lodge

New Hampshire:
• Appalachian Mountain Club – Pinkham Notch

New Jersey:
• Joint Military Base – Tabernacle

New York:
• The North Face Endurance Challenge – Bear Mountain
• JackRabbit Sports – NYC
• Boy Scout Troop 163 – Webster
• Adirondack Mountain Club – Lake Placid

Oregon:
• Multnomah Falls – Portland

Pennsylvania
• Boy Scouts Dutch Council – Lebanon
• Camp Men-O-Lan – Quakertown

Vermont:
• Topnotch Resort & Spa – Stowe

Washington:
• 49er Days – Winthrop
• Methow Valley School Visits – Winthrop
• Garfield High School – Seattle
• Mount Rainier National Park – Ashford
• Community in Schools of Renton – Renton
• Outdoor Adventure Center – Index
• Explorer West Middle School – Seattle

Washington D.C:
• The North Face Explore Your Parks

The 2011 North Endurance Challenge series

Bear Mountain, NY - Team East and our partner, The North Face, are kicking off the 2011 The North Face Endurance Challenge season this weekend in the Catskill Mountains of New York state. Check out the video to learn more about the event or better yet come on out and visit in person!

All the best,

Jason and Agata

Bigfoot Sightings: Parades of the West

The habitually elusive Bigfoot has recently come out of hiding and graced various communities around the United States with his presence. Sightings are random as they occur at camps, state parks, national parks, schools, universities and even parades! One common theme in the Big Guy's cameo appearances is that the events are always in support of Leave No Trace.

Bigfoot appeared on a balmy evening in Denver, CO this past January in celebration of the parade of lights. In the photo above, Bigfoot was seen at the annual Snowfest parade in Kings Beach, CA. Bigfoot found it very easy to Leave sNOw Trace while enjoying the Tahoe area.

Rumor has it that Bigfoot has made his way up to the Northern Cascade region. There is, of course, speculation that this region of the country is held dear to Bigfoot's heart. Word on the street is that Bigfoot will be joining traveling trainers, Team West, in a parade in Winthrop, WA celebrating 49er Days. The parade is on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you are in the area, please come by and give Bigfoot a high five. Mention this blog and he may even be able to find you a t-shirt with his tag line printed on it. Bigfoot's been doing for years: Leave No Trace. Hope to see you out there!

Explore Responsibly...Kate and Tracy

Around the World

Many people know about Leave No Trace from seeing signage or information at a park/natural area in their region. We come in contact with a number of people that are surprised to find out we are a nonprofit organization with not just a national reach, but an international one.

Check out these beautiful photos from Kakani Scout Camp in Nepal:

This Leave No Trace training was organized with the help of Initiative Outdoor. As, owner Chandra Ale describes:

Initiative Outdoor (I.O.) is an outdoor leadership school based in Kathmandu, Nepal. I.O. runs a variety of courses, including adventure camps for kids, wilderness first aid, whitewater rescue technician training, and leadership programs at local schools. The range of the course offerings results in a diverse clientele: I.O. students are river guides, kayakers, mountain guides, Nepali school children, international students, and employees of both local businesses and INGOs.

I.O. was able to incorporate Leave No Trace education into all of their training this year, including this camp near Shivapuri National Park. The Center is grateful for the work of all of our volunteers, partners, members and supporters in helping communicate the importance and universality of these principles in every corner of the world.

Cleaning Up Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls, OR.

On Sunday, May 1st, we joined Mt. Hood Search and Rescue at Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon to celebrate Earth Day. What better way to give back to nature than to spend a few hours cleaning up trash around the falls! Multnomah Falls is the second highest continuously running waterfall in the country and receives over 2 million visitors annually. With an estimated 10,000 visitors on Sunday alone, this beautiful recreation area is a popular destination for folks from Portland and the surrounding area.

With so many people coming to enjoy the falls, it is imperative people practice Leave No Trace to preserve the quality and integrity of the resource. In the photo below, the search and rescue team returned with copious amounts of trash, including a skateboard!

At our booth, we wowed visitors with statistics on how long items of trash will take to biodegrade in the environment if we do not dispose of waste properly. Consistently people were amazed by the fruit peels (2 years) and the aluminum can (80 years). We encouraged people to Pack It In- Pack It Out whenever they are recreating on lands shared by the public. Every day is Earth Day!

Explore Responsibly...Kate & Tracy

Leave No Trace Teaching Activity Guide is on sale this month!

The Leave No Trace Teaching Activity Guide is a great resource for those who wish to teach others about Leave No Trace but have little to no experience or training in Leave No Trace themselves. The Guide provides good background information on the seven Leave No Trace Principles along with time-tested activities designed to introduce the concept to new audiences. And now it is 25% off through the end of May!

You can find it in our online store's Teaching Resources.