Subaru Master the Mountain Crested Butte

Great day today in Crested Butte with the Subaru Master the Mountain Event. I think there might have even been a Leave No Trace Bigfoot sighting? People tell me he was telemark skiing on the slopes today, but I wasn't fast enough to get a photo, maybe tomorrow?

Resources for Outdoor Recreation

With summertime recreation in full swing, it's exciting to see the variety of resources available to support outdoor programs, specifically those focused on youth. The Center offers a number of successful programs that promote responsible recreation to all ages and recreation groups.

PEAK (Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids) is a great resource for educators, providing kid-friendly activities to teach the principles of Leave No Trace. The e-tour is on the road, conducting fun, family-friendly workshops and presentations. Finally, the Center's Grants and Scholarships help support local initiative programs and training that educate the public about Leave No Trace.

In 2010, the Center received a generation donation from Gear to Grow, a non-profit program that acquires donated gear - such as backpacks - from outdoor retailers and manufacturers and places them into the hands of non-profits that promote outdoor recreation. Gear to Grow has also worked with several of the Center's grant recipients, including: Big City Mountaineers and cityWILD.

This year, Gear to Grow will be hosting a gear-drive at this year’s Outdoor Retailer Summer Market August 4-7.INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand booth (#38213) will serve as the official collection site for Gear to Grow’s Summer Market gear-drive. Exhibitors are encouraged to participate by dropping off surplus samples and equipment at the CORDURA® brand booth (#38213) during show hours. Additionally, exhibitors can ship donations prior to the show along with gear they plan to exhibit.

If you are at the show, support this great initiative and let other know about this available resource. For more information, email: contact@geartogrow.org.

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...?

Student help hikers "Know Before They Go"

Students from Glen Cove Elementary in Roanoke, VA adopted their local Appalachian Trail Kiosk and gave it some much needed attention.

Check out the photos:

Before

After

Thanks to these students local hikers can learn how to take care of our shared public lands by leaving no trace. Glen Cove Elementary was a Leave No Trace grant recipient and also worked with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's "A Trail to Every Classroom" program.

Our 2010 grant recipients have done some amazing work in their local communities and we'd like to thank them for all of their volunteer work! Check back in January for 2011 grant deadlines.

Wildlife Bridge: What do you think?

I ran across this article about a proposed wildlife bridge crossing over I-70 west of Vail. The issue, near to hearts in Colorado, is relevant a lot of places and introduces a great discussion on the intersection of humans, wildlife and technology.

Engineering firms all over the world have submitted designs for this proposed bridge that would, in theory, help decrease the number of vehicle-wildlife collisions and create a safe passage for wildlife such as elk, deer, bighorn sheep, lynx, black bear, snowshoe hares. Proponents argue that it would also allow wildlife easier movement/migration and a larger habitat through the mountains, currently restricted by the I-70 corridor. Strategically placed cameras along the crossing could also help scientists monitor wildlife patterns.

There are a number of arguments against the idea too, primarily the price tag associated with such a project and the reality of how much it would help or decrease the problem (stated above).

Check out the proposed designs and weigh in on the debate. For more information:

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_16725692

http://nativeecosystems.org/campaigns/wildlife-bridge

College Students: Help us with outreach!

Many of you have read the recent posts about Leave No Trace programs in the Red River Gorge.

As part of the Hot Spot program, the Center is also working with the Forest Service to improve outreach to college/university students visiting this region.

If you are a college/university student that recreates in this area - Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, Virginia, Indiana, etc. - please take five minutes to complete this survey:

http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/334068/red-river-gorge-university-outreach

With your help, we can keep the Red River Gorgeous!

March Bigfoot Challenge Winner!

March's Bigfoot Challenge winner is Erin Barker, Natural Science Program Coordinator from Cedar Creek, TX.

Bigfoot recently sat down with Erin for a little Q&A to learn more about how she spends her time outside and how she is involved in the Leave No Trace Program.

Bigfoot: What do you like to do outside?

Erin: Hiking, camping, exploring, teaching outdoor programs

Bigfoot: Who do you work with?

Erin: I work for the Lower Colorado River Authority at McKinney Roughs Nature Park.

Bigfoot: Why do you volunteer for Leave No Trace?

Erin: It’s a great program teaches the fundamentals of low impact land use.

Bigfoot: What was your original intention getting involved with Leave No Trace?

Erin: Get trained to teach Leave No Trace programs to youth and adults.

Bigfoot: How did your Bigfoot Challenge go?

Erin: Great, we did an Earth Day Festival, had Leave No Trace short programs and had REI demonstrating Leave No Trace using an interactive tent maze activity.

Bigfoot: Why is Leave No Trace important to you?

Erin: I think Leave No Trace is important because it’s a program that imparts some pretty important principles about land stewardship but in a fun, accessible way.

Bigfoot: If everyone out there could do ONE thing to Leave No Trace, what would it be?

Erin: Leave only footprints, take only memories!

Are you interested in volunteering for Leave No Trace in 2010?

If you are interested in staffing a Leave No Trace booth, conducting an Awareness Workshop or a Trainer Course in your community, please contact Outreach Manager Dave Winter to discuss outreach possibilities in more detail.

Are you already hosting a Leave No Trace training, workshop or other event in your community? Submit this form to Sarah Folzenlogen to have your event posted on our Community Pages. Please email Sarah Folzenlogen with any questions about posting your events on our website.

Do you Leave No Trace like Bigfoot?

The first two readers have emailed me and commented with the answer to this question, and they will win a Bigfoot Pint Glass. Stay tuned for future opportunities to win prizes or take the Bigfoot Challenge today to enter to win more cool stuff.

What would Bigfoot do with pet waste while out on a hike in your local park?

Take the Leave No Trace Bigfoot Challenge today!

Happy Holidays from Leave No Trace!

Thank you for a great year!

Looking for some cool last minute gifts or just some fun Leave No Trace goodies, click here.

Cheers from, Kurt, Susy, Catherine, Bode, Dave, Sarah (pictured above) and the rest of the crew at Leave No Trace (Ben, Dana, Whit, and Sara)

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Partnership Highlight: Wilderness Scotland

Since its beginnings, Wilderness Scotland has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable tourism. Their mission is to provide inspiring, memorable and high quality adventure travel experiences which benefit the local environments and communities in which they visit.

Wilderness Scotland is a registered partner of the Leave No Trace Centre, and their Director of Training Myles Farnbank, is a graduate of the Master Educator course (one of only 2 people in Scotland). The philosophy of Leave No Trace is at the core of their guiding principles - belief that education is the best means to protect the natural world from recreational impacts while helping maintain access for recreation and enjoyment. Through subtle education their clients learn about the need to minimize their impact, dispose of waste properly, and respect the wildlife among other things. Wilderness Scotland hopes that these principles will make a lasting impression on their clients, who will hopefully pass on what they have learnt to others.

Wild Orchids

Every effort is made to ensure that each trip is as sustainable as it can be, their trip operations are specifically designed to minimise the environmental impact: group size is limited to a maximum of 8, trips start & finish near train stations, they offset carbon emissions by 110%, and they use local suppliers and source local food where possible. They are all about experiencing the wilderness using human power, be that on foot or by bike, kayak, canoe and sail boat.

Over the years they have won several awards which are a testament to their green credentials, they are the only adventure travel company in Scotland to hold the Green Tourism Gold Award. In 2009, they were awarded 5 Star Responsible Tourism status, which is the highest level by Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO).

www.wildernessscotland.com 0131 625 6635

-- Polly McClure, Wilderness Scotland

New Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Page

Check out our new FAQ page on www.LNT.org!

A PostSecret with a Backcountry Twist

I often read PostSecret, and I knew I had to share this one when I saw this postcard on today's secrets.

Applicants Wanted: Leave No Trace Job Opening

POSITION: SUBARU/LEAVE NO TRACE TRAVELING TRAINERS

SALARY: Monthly salary plus all travel expenses, gear, and apparel for life on the road.
CLOSING DATE: October 5th, 2009 or until position is filled.
SEND RESUME & COVER LETTER TO:
Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers
Leave No Trace
P.O. Box 997
Boulder, CO 80306
-OR-
jobs@LNT.org (subject: Traveling Trainers)
***NO CALLS PLEASE***

SUBARU/LEAVE NO TRACE TRAVELING TRAINERS

Leave No Trace is seeking a dedicated, savvy, dynamic team of educators (only teams of two are accepted as applicants) for a seasonal traveling position. Leave No Trace is an educational nonprofit organization dedicated to the responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of public lands by all people worldwide. The Traveling Trainers travel throughout the U.S. teaching and promoting minimum impact techniques to outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels. The Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers reach millions of individuals annually, promoting stewardship of the outdoors, and supporting active lifestyles. The Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers program is an established, well-respected education and outreach program that is in high demand across the country.

Couples and pre-paired teams only apply. We will not place individuals in a team.

The Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers, sponsored by Subaru, represent the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics as goodwill ambassadors. The teams will present special programs for diverse groups such as youth serving organizations, land managers, students, hiking, bicycling, climbing and other user groups, outdoor retailers, and general public. Scheduled stops include trade and consumer shows, special events, trail projects, volunteer events, and other related events. Throughout the season, the team will post weekly on-line blogs and communicate regularly with those interested in learning more about Leave No Trace. Teams must represent the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer program, and Subaru of America in a positive and professional manner at all times.

Team members will be outfitted with apparel, equipment and supplies necessary for teaching and camping, as well as communicating electronically. Compensation package includes food and lodging expenses, and monthly salary. Part time employment (10.5 months) and travel will begin without exception, January 11th, 2010 and run through November 30th, 2010.

Education and Technical Requirements
* Bachelor Degree in a related field and at least two-years of teaching experience
* Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
* Recommended outdoor recreation skills set include: hiking, backpacking, canoeing/kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, winter sports, trail running, travel with pack stock, etc.
* Current Basic First Aid and CPR certification (Wilderness First Responder or WEMT preferred)
* Formal Leave No Trace Training (Master Educator preferred)
* Availability to travel without exception, continuously from mid January 2010 through November 2010
* Personal budgeting and expense tracking skills
* Macintosh computer and digital camera proficiency

Leadership and Interpersonal Requirements:
* Direct experience teaching, guiding and instructing (outdoor settings preferred)
* High level of motivation, energy, creativity and professionalism
* Charismatic and entertaining public speaking and verbal communication skills
* Ability to deal with an evolving and sometimes unpredictable itinerary
* Excellent time-management skills

For more information, visit www.LNT.org

To apply please submit the following by 10/5/09
1. A joint cover letter, 2 page maximum
2. Resumes for each team member, 2 page maximum per person
**other information and/or material are not necessary or accepted

Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Program
C/O Leave No Trace
PO Box 997
Boulder Co, 80306

No calls please.
Leave No Trace is an equal opportunity employer.