Dog Days of Winter

With winter weather affecting much of the US this past week, hope you are finding some time to enjoy the snow as much as these guys:

Aside from braving the chill, going out for a winter walk, sled or ski can be very peaceful, relaxing and fun. Remember to extend the same set of practices as you would on a summer outing - be it picking up after your pet, planning ahead for extreme weather or sticking to designated trails/areas.

If winter is prime season for your outdoor programming, consider incorporating a short talk/discussion on Leave No Trace for the winter. Grant season is upon us as well, check out this program page on our website for updated deadlines, beginning as early as March 1. Grants can be used to purchase educational/teaching resources for Leave No Trace programming: Grants and Scholarships

Stay warm and safe and thank you for practicing responsible recreation!

Master Educator Scholarship Available for Yellowstone Course

There is funding available through the David E. Perkins Memorial Scholarship for the June Master Educator Course in Yellowstone. The course is being run through the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and is a five day course that provides participants with a comprehensive overview of Leave No Trace skills and ethics through practical application in a field-based setting. Graduates of a Master Educator Course are able to conduct two-day Trainer Courses in their communities and respective organizations. Every participant on a Master Educator course will receive a one-year membership to Leave No Trace. This membership gives new Master Educators better access to teaching resources, as well as closer contact with the Center for education, training and outreach questions.

For more information on registration and how to apply for this scholarship, please contact:

Haven Holsapple
LNT Program Coordinator
NOLS Professional Training
haven_holsapple@nols.edu
406-370-8640

Kids in the Valley, Adventuring!

As parents and educators, Chip and Ashley Donahue recognize the need for more opportunities that get families outdoors and encourage them to become environmental stewards of the next generation.

Through their free family nature club, Kids in the Valley, Adventuring (KIVA), the Donahues are bringing outdoor opportunities to over 350 families in the Roanoke Valley.

Activities include park visits, guest speakers and family-friendly events that incorporate games, music and art. Keeping with the trends of social media marketing, KIVA's website also features product and gear reviews, nature-themed book reading list, event listings and tips for starting your own community nature club.

As a recent Leave No Trace grant recipient, KIVA also recognizes the importance of partnering outdoor adventure activities with environmental stewardship information and discussions that leave our open spaces better than we found them.

Connect Grants Awarded to Community Programs

The Center recently awarded its last round of 2009 Connect Grants for Culturally Diverse Communities.

These grants partner the Leave No Trace program with organizations serving diverse communities to promote responsible recreation and environmental stewardship.

Students from the Wilderness Leadership and Learning (WILL) program in D.C. - previous Connect Grant recipient - on an expedition along the Appalachian Trail.

Connect Grants this round were awarded to:

• Campfire USA - Heartland Council, KS
• Sierra Nevada Journeys, CA
• Prairie View A&M University, TX
• Student Conservation Association - Community Crew Program, FL
• Valley View Elementary School, AZ

Connect Grants award educational materials, training and scholarships that support Leave No Trace community programs and strive to create long-term partnerships with recipients.

Know of an organization that you'd like to nominate for a Connect Grant in 2010? Have some tips on how to make the Leave No Trace program most relevant to your own community?

Email Sarah in the Education Department: sarah@LNT.org