Newness

Newness is the word to describe the last two weeks as a brand-new staff member with the Center. I’m new to Boulder, Colorado - my family and I just moved from Southern California. I’m new to the depth of knowledge here at the Center - even though I practice the principles as a hiker, camper and trail runner, I still have so much to learn about the science behind the principles.

And I’m new to all of you.

I spent some time today studying the membership survey the Center conducted last year. Since my role as Development Director with the Center is to work with our members, donors and followers, I am eager to learn, who is a Leave No Trace Member? You may be surprised to know that most members live in California (which makes me proud). And the #1 reason that folks are members is the satisfaction that we are furthering our essential role in spreading Leave No Trace.

Aside from the great feeling of supporting the mission, there are great tangible benefits to being a member too. Did you know that the Center’s corporate partners extend their thanks to each member for supporting Leave No Trace? You can get member discounts on Coleman gear, Packit Gourmet (yum) and even a discount on a new Subaru!

Are you a member yet? Take a moment to join or renew your membership. As a member you join me and thousands of others across the world who commit to live Leave No Trace.

What's Your Leave No Trace Strategy?

Last weekend we headed to Incline Village, Nevada to set up a booth with Big Blue Adventure Series. In addition to an off-trail triathlon, many trail runners showed up to battle it out during the 5k and 10k races. We had a lot of fun chatting with athletes and spectators about ways to minimize their impacts while competing. Athletes invest a lot of time training for these races and developing a race strategy. We encouraged racers to spend some time developing a Leave No Trace strategy. Trash like water cups and food wrappers are easily misplaced during the race, so having a plan to deal these items is important. Often water cups are dropped at aid stations and quickly picked up by volunteers, but trash dropped on trail can be easily missed by race sweepers. This trash can take many years to decompose and poses a health risk for wildlife. For more ideas on how you can develop your own Leave No Trace strategy click here.

Weekend Fun on the Trails!

Some quick photos from my run in Boulder Mountain Parks this weekend. Any guesses on the big track in the mud? I would guess Elk, even though I have not seen an elk this close in to Boulder previously.