Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Photo of the Week 7.26.11



The e-tour took in the sights at Cumberland Island National Seashore. With all the wildlife and vista viewing opportunities afforded by this short trip we had a LOT of photo fodder to work through and this is one of our favorites. Spanish moss, palmetto, a sprawling live oak, and a dash of dappled sun combine here for an amazing stroll in the woods.

Mark and Tara
2011 e-tour team

Monday, July 25, 2011

backyard sessions: Brunswick, GA



On July 16th the e-tour had the great pleasure of being part of the first ever 'Leave No Trace Day' in Brunswick, GA. The proclamation, signed by Mayor Bryan Thompson kicked off festivities during our Back Yard Session at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Costal Resource Division Headquarters. A spirited crowd joined in the sharing of ideas, news of local programs, good food, and a better awareness of Leave No Trace in their outdoor community. A highlight of the event included a giant slingshot, dubbed 'The Recycler', used to launch home the idea that being responsible does not have to be viewed as a chore. The participants never had such a blast bringing the recycling to the curb! A special thanks to mayor Bryan Thompson, Leave No Trace state advocate CJ Ross, Georgia DNR's Paul Medders, Jim Jenkins, and Thomas Thrift for really pulling together the strands of idea into a tangible experience.

Mark and Tara
2011 e-tour team

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Photo of the Week 7.19.11

The e-tour visited Stone Mountain, GA and took in the sights on a rather hazy hot day. We especially enjoyed the quality of the interpretive displays within the park's Confederate Hall. The exposed rock mountains (monadnocks) in this area of the country are the homes of some rare and interesting species of plants. Go check it out for yourself!

Mark and Tara
2011 e-tour team

Monday, July 11, 2011

Photo of the Week 7.11.11



This sign at Raccoon Branch campground in Virginia made the e-tour all sorts of nostalgic, either in a childhood sense or a memory of our previous employer the Forest Service. Woodsy is a fantastic character. "Give a hoot - don't pollute!" and "Lend a hand - Care for the land" are iconic slogans etched into many of our minds. We poked around on the internet and found a lot of fun Woodsy Owl videos and information. A 1977 Public Service Announcement proves how cutting edge Woodsy really was (and still isa), he's about responsible recreation, stewardship, frontcountry, backcountry, children being outside... all the topics we are educating about today. Also surprising, Woodsy made a comeback in 2006 and has joined the ranks of the technological age. We are wondering if Woodsy had help setting up his Facebook page, he has listed himself solely as a 'Government Official'. We would add, 'environmental advocate, silent flyer, top notch rhymer, visionary, and world's largest talking owl'.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Summer Fun Day: Atlanta


Join the e-tour Saturday, July 9th at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs, GA for another Summer Fun Day: An Outdoor Nation Summit event. We'll be there enjoying all the activities, and presenting workshops at both 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to enlighten attendees on how to Leave No Trace at their favorite parks and natural spaces. Here is a shot from our last Summer Fun Day in Boston, where even Mark's dad got in on the action! Is that a Sicilian hippity-hop?


See you Satuday!

Mark and Tara
2011 e-tour team

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Marshall Matters...


...along with the rest of our donors. We spent this past Sunday greeting hundreds of Order of the Arrow scouts from across the country who came to build trail in Glen Jean, WV along the New River Gorge National River. A special bonus for the e-tour was getting to meet and chat with Marshall here, a long time Leave No Trace supporter, a recent donor to our tour, and Bigfoot fan. As you can see, Marshall was sporting some Leave No Trace wear under his scouting uniform:)


Mark and Tara
2011 e-tour team

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Photo of the Week 7.3.11

Sunset after a thunderstorm, Brantingham Lake, Adirondacks, NY

I know, I know. Another photo of a spectacular solar event. Can you blame us? If you ask the e-tour, they'll tell you that they are solar powered;)

Mark and Tara
2011 e-tour team