Leave No Trace e-tour

Reflection into the future.

2011-12-07T15:50:00.003-07:00

We've wrapped up life as the e-tour. We'd love to thank everyone who helped to make these last seven months such a successfully fulfilling adventure. We reached out to educate and share awareness with thousands of folks in more than twenty states. We were backed by dedicated sponsors, partners, and members. A tireless team of office staff in Boulder made sure we were stocked, scheduled, and connected. An endless stream of gracious hosts made nights out of the tent interesting, inspiring, and invigorating. Simply put, thank you.

Just as in this snapshot out of Big Blue's side mirror, the e-tour is also looking forward. Our reflection time home in Tahoe will allow us to focus momentum to roll into 2012 as Team West of the Subaru / Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers. We are truly grateful for this opportunity.

Let it Snow!

Mark and Tara

Pet For a Day

2011-12-01T14:03:00.000-07:00

Wrapping up our season as the e-tour we found that we had a bunch of photos of the animals we stayed with during our journey. Not being able to have pets of our own while fulfilling the duties of being a traveling trainer we are always delighted when our hosts can share their furry friends with us. Here is a slideshow showcasing *nearly* all the four legged friends we shared a home with. As always remember to be a responsible pet parent when visiting the outdoors.

Who's your favorite?! We loved them all.

Be intentional, not conventional.

Mark and Tara

Enjoying the weekend?

2011-11-25T19:26:00.005-07:00

Hey everyone! The e-tour hopes you had a fun, festive Thanksgiving. We know we did. Here are a few shots from our holiday time that we've been spending in Moab, UT.

After a scenic trail ride Tara whipped up an incredible camp stove style Thanksgiving feast. To answer your question, yes we wore the turkey hats biking (over our helmets of course:)).

Be intentional, not conventional.

Mark and Tara

Photo of the Week 11.22.11

2011-11-22T13:00:00.001-07:00

Sometimes the images depicted on state flags need a bit of interpretation. Arizona? No explanation needed. Take a look.

Be intentional, not conventional.

Mark and Tara

How do you like your Crust?

2011-11-19T16:24:00.003-07:00

Thick, thin, stuffed, or Cryptobiotic?

Mark and Tara

YVCA of Southern Arizona

2011-11-19T15:24:00.006-07:00

Yesterday and today the e-tour joined the Youth Volunteer Corps of America's Southern Arizona group. Through educational workshops and some down and dirty desert clean up we explored the importance of Leave No Trace in the sensitive desert environment.

Along with staffers from all parts of the country and some dedicated, caring local youth this organization serves its community through a variety of means. Whether helping repair low income housing units, painting murals where venomous graffiti once reigned, or pitching in to collect litter their projects benefit all involved. During our visit the staff broadened their knowledge and practice of getting the messages of the Seven Principles into the hands, hearts and habits of the youth they serve.

Tucson Mountain Park and it's saguaro nation standing at attention proved itself a perfect location for learning and understanding the importance of enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Be intentional, not conventional.

Mark and Tara

Photo of the Week 11.15.11

2011-11-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

Bighorn Sheep, near Willow Beach, AZ.

Be intentional, not conventional.

Tara and Mark

Nature's Bathtub...

2011-11-13T17:33:00.003-07:00

...Minus the soap:) One of the e-tour's favorite ways to spend time between events is to search out some hot springs and soak for a while. Here are photos from our latest pursuit. We'll let you figure out where these were taken and allow you the thrill of discovery too.

As with any trip to a new venue, be sure to do thorough research and 'Know Before You Go'. Talk to the locals, make new friends and always leave the area better than you found it. We call it our "five minute service project". Being a steward to the places you visit is easy. Whether you go there only once, or have been a million times, you can always make a positive impact.

Be intentional, not conventional.

Mark and Tara

Kid's Kamp

2011-11-09T09:24:00.004-07:00

When we met the children at KOA Kid's Kamp we knew we had some camping experts on our hands. Imagine the schooling you'd get spending your summers growing up immersed in the culture of camping. We taught the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace through an intense game of charades and showcased some artistic talents as the youth drew out their ideas about recreating responsibly.

Be intentional, not conventional.

Mark and Tara

Kamp Green Clean Up!

2011-11-07T17:31:00.004-07:00

Yesterday we joined over 100 dedicated volunteers at KOA's Kamp Green Community Partnership Event. Participants helped to clean up a section of Bureau of Land Management property which many are hoping becomes Tule Springs Ice Age Park.

Rich in paleontological diversity, the area had become a victim of littering and illegal dumping. Check out the Tule Spring's website and show your support to protect the land and resources that lie beneath the surface.

Find an opportunity to join a service project on your next trip. It's a fun way to gain local knowledge and meet new people.

Be intentional, not conventional.

Mark and Tara

Lasting Impacts:

2011-11-05T13:52:00.005-06:00

Conditions in desert environments are extreme, especially when considering the scarcity of moisture. We mentioned in our last blog that litter items left out to their own devices last an incredibly long time, even 'natural' items such newspaper or fruit peels. We often teach students the ingredients for good decomposition. Sunlight, soil, moisture and air, it's in everything we eat and everything we wear. Knowing this and the sensitivity of such specialized ecosystems, all the better to Leave No Trace.

These photos are just a few of the impacts we've seen during our desert travels.

Leaving your mark is overrated.

Tara and Mark

Green Girls!

2011-11-03T16:20:00.003-06:00

Tuesday we spent some quality time with Girl Scouts in La Quinta, CA. With placid Lake Cahuilla as a backdrop we discussed how long litter might last if it were left there to decompose. These young ladies were quick to realize that in their community, a desert ecosystem, items last significantly longer than in an environment where more moisture is present. Learning to 'Trash Your Trash' is paramount everywhere, but in dry places even items like newspaper and toilet paper can last years!

Be intentional, not conventional.

Mark and Tara

Climber's Coffee

2011-11-02T21:09:00.004-06:00

Over the weekend the e-tour spent a perfect sunny Saturday morning with campers and climbers at Hidden Valley Campground in Joshua Tree National Park. Caffeine fueled conversation concerning climber ethics was a perfect prelude to people's day out on the rock. This place certifies itself as a veritable climbing mecca, where both complimentary coffee and multiple routes are merely steps from your tent. On hand was Ranger Bernadette Regan, dishing out advice on where to find climbs away from the crowds or for specific skill levels. A cup of joe and advice from a pro, what better way to 'Know Before You Go'?!

Be intentional, not conventional.

Mark and Tara

Photo of the Week 10.30.11

2011-10-30T11:20:00.002-06:00

Cholla Cactus Garden at Joshua Tree National Park.

Be intentional, not conventional.

Mark and Tara

The Air of Angels

2011-10-27T10:00:00.002-06:00

Last week we continued working with local college students at both Lake Tahoe Community College and Sierra Nevada College. With programs dedicated to experiential outdoor learning it was a perfect setting to get a pulse of the student vibe regarding responsible recreation.

Over the weekend e-tour broke their bikes out of storage and hit the trail for some mountain bliss. With cooler temperatures, leaves changing, and recent precipitation keeping the dust at bay, better conditions could not have been found. Although sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail and Flume Trail are multi-use we found users' eager to 'Be Considerate of Other Visitors'. A good thing too, as hikers and bikers here can attest, the Flume Trail is quite narrow with a precipitous drop off toward the lake below.

See you in SoCal!

Mark and Tara

Explore Your Parks: California

2011-10-26T11:03:00.001-06:00

This past Friday the e-tour wrapped up the Explore Your Parks 2011 series made possible by The North Face, Good Solutions Group and Angel Island State Park. A perfect setting to teach local school children, Angel Island easily illustrated the importance of learning to 'Trash Your Trash'. With the waves lapping nearby it became very apparent where any loose litter would end up. The groups were also treated to a ranger led interpretive tour of the immigration station, a defining piece of American history. Warm sun and calm seas made for a fair weather ferry ride where onlookers soaked in visits from harbor seals, porpoises, cormorants, pelicans, and terns. Certainly a field trip to remember!

Be intentional, not conventional.

Tara and Mark

Photo of the Week 10.24.11

2011-10-24T10:29:00.004-06:00

Back home in Lake Tahoe, Mark cannot resist a quick mid-Fall dip.

Tara and Mark

Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe

2011-10-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday afternoon the e-tour visited the Boys and Girls Club in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Although we've been living out of Big Blue, our e-tour Subaru, Tahoe is where we feel at home. Educating youth in our own community is a supremely rewarding experience. We focused on two issues here by the Lake; the importance of meadow habitats, and the impacts associated with user created side trails, and worked them into several spirited games of 'Step On It'.

Be intentional, not conventional.

Tara and Mark

We're Not in Kansas Anymore...

2011-10-17T12:04:00.003-06:00

...but last week the e-tour stopped in to visit their title partner The Coleman Company in Wichita. Getting to show the folks at Coleman a snapshot of what they make possible for us on the road was a real treat. We joined employees for a barbeque and had candid conversation about life as the e-tour team. Strolling the humming factory floor we could not help but imagine the millions of camping memories being crafted there before us. It reaffirmed the importance of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. We hope that the faithful owners of this camping gear will enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Thank You Coleman.

Mark and Tara
e-tour team

Of Raptors and Rapture - Barn Again

2011-10-14T07:47:00.000-06:00

Dateline: Lyons, CO

The Colorado Tour

The harbingers of winter (read: Snow and Ice!) are making us keenly aware that our Colorado sojourn as Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers is drawing to a close, and that it's time to head for the barn once more. We reflected on this year's Colorado Tour as we hiked local landmark, Rabbit Mountain, a critical raptor nesting ground and cultural crossroads near Lyons, Colorado. We can't help but feel fortunate for the opportunity to experience the rich diversity of people and places we've encountered along the way. For the past six weeks, we've lived a nomadic life, sleeping in our tent by night and delivering Leave No Trace workshops and outreach by day. Throughout our 36 events and nearly four thousand-mile perambulation of the great state of Colorado, we've been enraptured by the state's wide variety of natural and cultural resource treasures, and equally impressed by the love and appreciation that Coloradans hold for this precious heritage.

Rabbit Mountain - enraptured beneath the raptors!

As we lead our trusty Colorado Tour Subaru into the barn for the winter, we're hoping that this is but another episode in our Leave No Trace travels, and that we will meet you yet down our nomadic trail, perhaps in another clime and another season, seeking to Leave No Trace as the story continues...

Special thanks go to Xcel Energy for supporting the 2011 Colorado Tour, and additionally to Coleman, Inc. and Subaru of America who continue to be dedicated champions for the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Program and the Center for Outdoor Ethics. Of course, incalculable thanks go to our Traveling Team colleagues and the extraordinary folks at the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics for their dedication, support, and joie de vivre.

...along the Colorado Trail,

Peggy and Barrett

Horse Sense

2011-10-11T11:34:00.000-06:00

Dateline: Colorado Horsemen's Convention, Denver, CO
The Colorado Tour

Peggy Rounds-up Her Leave No Trace Posse

The Colorado Horse Development Authority and the Colorado Horse Council (CHC) organized this year's inaugural Colorado Horsemen's Convention in order to learn and share ideas about growing the horse industry in Colorado. We jumped at the invitation to address the convention gathering on environmental and recreational impact topics, and to discuss our long-standing collaborative partnerships with various industry players such as the Back Country Horsemen of America and the American Horse Council. As the first winter storm of the season raged outside, we manned our busy outreach booth within the warm and comfortable confines of Denver's renowned National Western Stock Show Complex, the center of the horsemen's universe.

Colorado Horsemen's Convention

In addition to engaging an interesting variety of folks throughout the day at our booth, we had an opportunity to present an hour-long session where we talked about the genesis of the Leave No Trace program, the history of the Center for Outdoor Ethics, and the challenges of educating folks about the foundation principles of good, responsible outdoor stewardship. We were particularly pleased by the discussion that our presentation fostered about the need to promote constructive engagement and dialogue between diverse outdoor resource user groups (horseback, mountain biking, hiking, trail-running, hunting, fishing, etc).

Rhinestone (Leave No Trace) Cowgirl

CHC executive director Bill Scebbi and his staff put together an excellent program, and we really appreciated the opportunity to participate. We hope that the Colorado Horsemen's Convention becomes an annual forum for exchanging ideas (and good, old-fashioned horse sense) about how best to conserve and promote sustainable outdoor values for all types of horseback recreation.

...along the Colorado Trail,
Peggy and Barrett

Poster Kids: 7 on 7

2011-10-10T15:44:00.000-06:00

Dateline: Lakewood, CO
The Colorado Tour

Poster Presentations at Carmody Middle School

The 7th grade students at Carmody Middle School welcomed our Colorado Tour with a bevy of posters and Powerpoints on the 7 principles of Leave No Trace, which they eagerly presented to us one by one. After Kathi Smith's class threw us their best pitches, it was our turn to talk about human impacts and engage the students in our traveling road show. We presented our always compelling array of human waste disposal tools and techniques, discussed durable surfaces and played a round of "Step on It," and got the students to form a living time-line of trash in our "How Long Does It Last?" activity.

7th Graders and the 7 Principles

We wrapped it up by challenging the students to think about having a positive impact that might last one million years... yep, picking up that carelessly, thoughtlessly, and negligently discarded styrofoam or glass bottle will do just that, become a positive impact that lasts virtually forever.

...along the Colorado Trail,
Peggy and Barrett

Leaving the Right Kind of Trace

2011-10-09T11:37:00.000-06:00

Dateline: Fort Collins, CO

The Colorado Tour

Our hearty breakfast at a Fort Collins eatery, the Farmer’s Table, was topped with fresh-cooked apples from a local CSA (community supported agriculture) project. It was a sustaining meal that gave us a good foundation for our workshop with Dan Dannahower’s class at Poudre Community Academy. The Academy is a non-traditional (alternative) public secondary school that focuses on a blend of academics, experiential learning, and community service. We were amazed at the variety of learning and service experiences that the group (ages 14-20) talked about during our visit, and we're definitely impressed by the positive impacts that their efforts have on the surrounding community: work involving local trail maintenance, campsite rehabilitation, trash cleanup, and assistance at CSA farms (like the ones that supplied our breakfast meal).

Class members raise a cheer to a Leave No Trace icon.

The "traces" left by Poudre Community Academy have been positive for community and students alike… definitely an approach that could benefit mainstream, traditional approaches to educating kids.

...along the Colorado Trail,

Peggy and Barrett

Front Range Views

2011-10-08T07:07:00.000-06:00

Dateline: Fort Collins, CO

The Colorado Tour

Front Range Country: Experiential Learning Happens Here...

Professor Jennifer Lee’s Wilderness Skills class at Front Range Community College is a feisty mix of outdoor enthusiasts – fishermen, hunters, mountain bikers, hikers, climbers, horse packers, kayakers… and in Colorado, most any of the winter snow-dependent activities are included without saying. The course covers a host of wilderness topics, including land management policy and regulations, plant identification, leave no trace skills and ethics, and winter survival techniques. Our time with the class passed quickly, as we had spirited discussions about the impacts of discarded fish visera (“guts” by any other name), dogs-off-leash, trail etiquette, and raucous disturbances of wilderness tranquility.

Later this semester (when the nearby mountains are in the cold, snowy grip of winter), Jennifer will take her 28 students on an overnight snowshoe trip to a backcountry campsite where they will stay in yurts and hone their wilderness survival skills in the wind-whipped, sub-zero setting. Now there’s a practical motivation to study hard for the final exam…

…along the (chilly) Colorado Trail,

Peggy and Barrett

Fall into Autumn...

2011-10-07T13:11:00.000-06:00

Living outside has it's perks. The change of the leaves this year so far has been stellar. Moving from the Northwoods of Wisconsin and Minnesota down through Iowa, and into Kansas has shown us some brilliant Fall colors. It reminds us also that we are traveling with our summer wardrobe. With this in mind, we encourage outdoor enthusiasts to 'Know Before You Go'. As temperatures and leaves alike move to lower ground it is important to check local forecasts and engage local knowledge concerning the areas you are visiting. The fire in the Boundary Waters burning for well over a month is a vivid reminder, although caused by a lightning strike, of how ravaging wildland fires can be. Taking the time to be sure that your coals are cooled can make or break an ecosystem. Be safe out there, and enjoy every minute of it.

Be intentional, not conventional.

Mark and Tara

Freewheeling in the Right Kind of Way

2011-10-06T07:47:00.001-06:00

Dateline: Bear Creek Lake Park, Lakewood, CO

The Colorado Tour

The Morning Briefing at TKMBD

Over 80 kids and at least that many more parents were ready and raring to roll on Saturday for the annual “Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day” (TKMBD) at Bear Creek Lake Park in the Lakewood community on the southwestern outskirts of Denver. Each participant was assigned to one of four teams, and each team visited four mountain biking workshops: skills, maintenance, rules of the trail, and wildlife encounters.

Wildlife Encounters

The principles of Leave No Trace were an essential part of each workshop, and it was great to see kids, from those with mountain bike training wheels all the way up to singletrack-savvy teenagers, actively engaged in learning new mountain biking skills, safety, and etiquette from enthusiastic, kid-friendly instructors.

Dressing the Part: The COMBA-IMBA Instructors Were Enthusiastic Teachers

After rotating through all four workshops, it was time to ride! Bear Creek Lake Park offers a terrific variety of trail conditions for both first-time and experienced riders, and the beautiful weather and eager volunteers made the day memorable in the right kind of way. The Colorado Mountain Biking Association (COMBA: the local chapter of the International Mountain Biking Association) hosted the event, and we look forward to being included again in the future. Only next time, we'll be riding for sure!

Colorado Tour Gives Thumbs-Up to Mt. Biking LSU Fan

...along the Colorado Trail,

Peggy and Barrett

Angel's Loft...

2011-10-05T13:10:00.000-06:00

There's a lot of buzz these days about reclaimed, reconditioned, recycled and restored materials going into construction projects. Perhaps it's the quest of procuring an interesting mix of old and new. It might be the warmth of historic barn timber, or the quirky flavor of hand forged square nails that brings together the atmosphere of home for you. For this avian friend it is something different entirely. We found this bird nest built with an infusion of used toilet paper in the backwoods of Maryland. Now, put yourself in this home owner's talons for just a minute. It's not junior's laundry that stinks, it's the walls of your humble abode. One more reason to 'Dispose of Waste Properly'. No wonder our feathered friends target your freshly washed ride. Payback.

Be intentional, not conventional.

Mark and Tara

Raptor Ambassadors Under the Cottonwoods

2011-10-05T07:47:00.008-06:00

Dateline: Pueblo, CO
The Colorado Tour

Nature and Raptor Center Ambassadors

We arrived early on Friday at the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo (NRCP), located on the banks of the Arkansas River in the shade of Cottonwood trees shimmering gold in their fall foliage. Our workshop was with a passel of energetic kids who were enrolled in the Center's weekly nature camp. We started the workshop with a basic intro to Leave No Trace principles in the the Center's yurt, as spacious and comfortable a classroom as we've enjoyed. After "talking the talk" indoors, we moved outside and into the beautiful autumn day where we could literally "walk the walk" regarding durable surfaces and choosing the right trail. As we explored the Center's grounds, the kids developed a clear understanding of the durable and resilient materials underfoot, and the consequences of choosing to travel on sensitive materials of low durability. We ended our walkabout with a game of "Durable Hop, Skip, and Jump," which we chalked out in front of the yurt.

Durable Hop, Skip, and Jump

After lunch, it was the kids' turn to treat us to a tour of the Center's raptor rehabilitation facility, where injured and orphaned birds of prey are nursed through recovery and prepared for release back into the wild. In fact, we were able to witness the release of a beautiful great horned owl that had come to the Center as an orphaned owlet earlier this past summer. Director John Gallagher and his staff run a fascinating program that appeals to all ages with its message of responsible environmental education and decision-making.

...along the Colorado Trail,
Peggy and Barrett

Outdoor Experiences for Urban Kids

2011-10-04T09:58:00.002-06:00

Dateline: Pueblo, CO
The Colorado Tour

Boys and Girls Clubs Staff Training

On Wednesday, we crossed over the Continental Divide and followed the Arkansas River down from Poncha Springs to Pueblo where we had a date with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Pueblo County. First, we ran a Leave No Trace Workshop for a couple of hours with an engaged group of Boys and Girls Club staff. One of the highlights was an ethics discussion during which staffers passionately elaborated on their pet-outdoor-activity-peeves. From fishing and picnicking to hiking and trail running, these folks shared both their appreciation for special outdoor places and their disappointment with inconsiderate trashing of these same places. These are complaints that most of us can recite, all of which could be avoided if we take time to reflect on the impacts of careless or thoughtless behaviors. These staff members were committed to pass on their Leave No Trace training to the kids that they teach and mentor in the Boys and Girls Clubs.

Under the Cottonwoods at the Nature and Raptor Center

Later that same afternoon we met with two groups of Boys and Girls Club members (ages 7-16) at the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo (NRCP). Even though these 25 kids have had limited experience adventuring in the outdoor wilds, they jumped right into digging catholes, figuring out how to get into a bear-proof food canister, and practicing wildlife-watching rules of thumb. The NRCP is located in a readily accessible urban-wildlands interface, part of a diverse riparian ecosystem along the Arkansas River. It's a great place for these urban kids to experience the out-of-doors,

...along the Colorado Trail,
Peggy and Barrett

Photo of the Week 10.3.11

2011-10-03T11:52:00.003-06:00

Somewhere in Missouri...

rock, paper, scissor, power line.

Mark and Tara

"Training" the Trainers

2011-10-03T11:44:00.000-06:00

Dateline: Antonito, CO
The Colorado Tour

Aspens turning gold along the route in Southern Colorado

Many might wonder how we "train" as Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers... In Colorado, we have found one truly reliable "training" regimen, and that's on the historic narrow-gauge Cumbres & Toltec Railway from Antonito, CO to Chama, NM. Everyone on board got a serving of Leave No Trace (especially on the cultural heritage topics), including the LSU fans that we encountered from our hometown of Baton Rouge. The trip was highlighted by our race with a herd of 14 elk, which happily managed to cross the tracks just yards ahead of our engine as we barreled along at 12 mph.

Elk cross the tracks in the nick of time!

All aboard!

...along the Colorado Trail,
Peggy and Barrett

Not Just Good... They're Great!

2011-10-01T07:47:00.002-06:00

Dateline: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Mosca, CO
The Colorado Tour

Mind boggling... it's just down right difficult to comprehend the scale of the massive dunes of sand at this place. Measuring 750 ft. above the surrounding San Luis Valley and covering thirty square miles, the Great Sand Dunes have astonished visitors throughout history. Now, count the Colorado Tour in that number...

This national park is staffed by a crew with exceptional esprit de corps. We were warmly welcomed by the entire staff, new rangers and veterans alike for our staff "Train the Trainer" program. We also were able to help celebrate National Public Lands Day at the park and participate in a service project. How appropriate for us: picking up trash along one of the scenic drives into the park. And you never know when random trash can be so useful...

Tin roofing trash provides personal ramada

...along the Colorado Trail,
Peggy and Barrett

No Trace: ASAP

2011-09-29T16:38:00.000-06:00

Dateline: Alamosa, CO

The Colorado Tour

Adams State College has a terrific outdoor adventure program and is in the process of growing an academic minor in Outdoor Leadership. Located on the Rio Grande River with the San Juan Mountains to the west and Sangre De Cristo range to the north and east, the school is certainly well positioned for a wide variety of year-round adventure sports activities.

Leave No Trace ASAP

Our afternoon of campus outreach (we were in a high profile site next to the student center) was followed by an evening of training with staff and students of the Adams State Adventure Program (ASAP). Our workshop also included several folks from the Alamosa community... all told, it was an eager, engaged group of outdoor leaders.

...along the Colorado Trail,

Peggy and Barrett

Colorado Tour Photo of the Week

2011-09-29T07:35:00.002-06:00

Dateline: Ridgway, CO

The Colorado Tour

After the Rain at Ridgway State Park

Hawk's Eye View

2011-09-28T07:35:00.002-06:00

Dateline: Telluride, CO

The Colorado Tour

Take a hawk’s eye view... that’s what the four 4^th grade classes at Telluride Elementary School do every year to study natural and cultural history of their hometown located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Students and teachers will soon hike the popular Jud Wiebe (“wee-bee”) Trail in the Uncompahgre National Forest just as we did on a recent Sunday afternoon. Beginning at the eastern edge of Telluride, the trail climbs up sharply through aspen and spruce glades to a high alpine meadow perched over 1200 feet above the valley floor. At this height, the students will be able to clearly distinguish the U-shape of the glacially formed Telluride Valley with its hanging side valleys and waterfalls. And, they will look down on the 19^th Century mining town of Telluride and see the history of its development literally unfolding before their eyes. It’s a great perspective to experience and remember...

Courtney Childe, 4^th grade teacher and Leave No Trace practitioner, invited us to talk to the students about principles of outdoor ethics and planning ahead to make choices that minimize their impact on the Jud Wiebe Trail, as well as in all of their outdoor adventures.

…soaring above the Colorado Trail,

Peggy and Barrett

High Times at Ridgway High

2011-09-27T11:24:00.000-06:00

Dateline: Ridgway, CO

The Colorado Tour

Every afternoon when the students at Ridgway High School head out through the main doors of the school they take in a sweeping view of the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness Area, comprised of over a dozen craggy 13,000+ footers that surround the pre-eminent Mt. Sneffels at 14,150 feet. Now, that’s a “Wow” factor for sure to take your breath away, and it’s the sustenance of a fundamental appetite for outdoor adventure.

At Ridgway High, we met with two Outdoor Education classes and came away inspired by the students thoughtfulness and their inbred appreciation for a magnificent mountain landscape that they clearly don’t take for granted. In the midst of so much natural splendor, we were particularly impressed with the student’s awareness of the fragile and irreplaceable archaeological sites in the region, and how highly they value the cultural heritage in southwestern Colorado.

… along the Colorado Trail,

Peggy and Barrett

Photo of the Week 9.26.11

2011-09-26T11:00:00.000-06:00

Balanced Rock. Devil's Lake State Park, WI.

Mark and Tara

Twin Cities Backyard Session, MN

2011-09-25T13:34:00.006-06:00

After a morning of service on National Public Lands Day, volunteers joined the e-tour and our Minnesota State Advocate Rita Hussman to learn more about how they can practice Leave No Trace in their community.

Around 200 people participated in removing one of the most invasive species in Minnesota, Common buckthorn and planted acorns in hopes to restore the Oak Savanna within the park.

Thank you to all who came out! Your next challenge, share a Leave No Trace principle with a family member or friend.

Fall is here. Don't forget to layer up when you go outside and play.

Mark and Tara

No Hitchhiking Allowed

2011-09-24T08:51:00.001-06:00

Dateline: Hayden, CO

The Colorado Tour

It's little surprise that the invasion of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) is a major concern in Colorado’s lakes and waterways. These invasive species include non-native aquatic plants, animals, viruses, and pathogens that harm the native ecosystems and can have negative environmental and economic impacts on a massive scale. Zebra and quagga mussels are by far the worst of the ANS culprits, readily establishing a colony in lakes and waterways and capable of phenomenally rapid reproduction.

The outlook for ANS in Colorado is pretty dire, and public land managers are taking special precautions to guard against their spread. At Elkhead Reservoir in Yampa River State Park, we watched a ranger carefully inspect a visitor’s boat and trailer for the telltale signs of an ANS hitchhiker… It’s a clear case of the need to leave what you find where you find it! Our lakes and waterways can only be protected through every user’s awareness, education, vigilance, and good stewardship. Don’t let ANS be an unwelcome hitchhiker on your next outdoor adventure!

… along the Colorado Trail,

Peggy and Barrett

Tales Told – Lessons Learned?

2011-09-23T09:42:00.002-06:00

Dateline: Craig, CO

The Colorado Tour

We setup our camp at Yampa River State Park in the northwestern reaches of the state this week. This section of the Yampa River is an area of riparian meadows and forest bordered by sagebrush uplands, and is understandably rich in wildlife. To our pleasant surprise, we were awakened in the pre-dawn of each morning by the chortling noises made by migratory flocks Sandhill cranes. As a river corridor in an otherwise sparse, arid landscape, the park is very popular with fisherman, boaters, and birders.

During our stay we visited classes at both East Elementary and Sunset Elementary in the Moffat County School District, where we helped an active gaggle of 5^th graders plan ahead and prepare for an upcoming outdoor adventure. The group was gearing up for their own campout a few weeks hence at Yampa River State Park. We asked them to recall family outing experiences that were made particularly memorable by some oversight in trip planning, packing, unexpected change in the weather, wildlife encounter, or similar unanticipated challenges. Just like the rest of us, the kids had many stories to tell about such experiences, some of them pretty funny, but all of them good lessons to be remembered. We left them with good wishes for a successfully planned and pleasantly memorable adventure along the beautiful Yampa.

… along the Colorado Trail,

Peggy and Barrett

Cuyuna Country

2011-09-22T07:52:00.007-06:00

The e-tour spent the last few days in the Crosby and Ironton communities of central Minnesota. We visited the high school and elementary school for two full days of classroom workshops connecting with local youth. One of the groups we met with was the Service Adventure Leadership Team (SALT), a dedicated bunch of high school students who initiate and participate in everything from recycling programs to zip line outings. The SALT group has embraced the principles of Leave No Trace and fosters future outdoor awareness by teaching second grade students as part of their outreach and experiential learning. For more on SALT, check out their sister group's page here.

A special thanks to Ryan of Cycle Path and Paddle, who took the time to show us a few quintessential Cuyuna rides. A guided tour through the new IMBA trails served as excellent vehicle to experience the landscape and history of this reclaimed mining area. The e-tour was excited and impressed by the top notch biking so far from home.

One last shout out to our Minnesota Leave No Trace State Advocate Rita Hussman for her strong volunteer ethic and gracious hosting of the e-tour team. We greatly appreciated a warm bed and delicious home cooking. You spoiled us.

Youbetcha!

Mark and Tara

Community Cool Idea

2011-09-21T12:40:00.001-06:00

Ever wonder what's happening outside your car window as you zip around your community? Who grows those flowers that smell so good? What's the name of the artist who produces those vibrant sculptures out of what would be landfill material? If you live in Madison, WI you might just be able to answer some of these questions for yourself by moving a little slower. The e-tour travels with bicycles and always relishes the chance to run errands via human power. We saw this Madison B-cycle sharing program and thought some of you might dig it. For a small yearly fee you can share a bike, without the hassle of lugging it up to your third floor flat. Check out their website here. Maybe write your city planner, mayor, or whoever to get the ball rolling in your area. Otherwise, use pedal power when you can. Save carbon, build muscle:)

Mark and Tara

The North Face Endurance Challenge: Madison, WI

2011-09-19T11:56:00.006-06:00

The e-tour joined their title partner The North Face at another installment of their trail running race series at Kettle Moraine South State Park this weekend. Participants and families alike enjoyed knowing that the Leave No Trace mindset was pervasive at this event, helping keep the grounds litter free with easy to find trash and recycling bins inside the finish line festival village. Bigfoot even found his way out of the Northwoods to join Dean Karnazes in the Karno Kids Race, promoting an active youth culture.

Ready... Set... Leave No Trace!

Mark and Tara

Hands-On Learning at New Emerson

2011-09-19T09:00:00.002-06:00

Dateline: Grand Junction, CO

The Colorado Tour

Curious minds and uninhibited enthusiasm greeted the Colorado Tour at Grand Junction’s New Emerson School. We had a blast with students from kindergarten through fifth grade over the course of a full day of classroom visitations. The “Choose-the-Right-Path” savvy students taught us a catchy phrase when hiking in areas of the Colorado Plateau with super-sensitive cryptobiotic soils: “Don’t Bust the Crust!” In fact, it may take a lifetime for the crusty living soils to recover from one ill-placed step.

While at New Emerson, we also had an opportunity to visit the fascinating John McConnell Math and Science Center, where area students and families actively explore principles of science and engineering through hands-on encounters and experimentation; it was hard to pull Barrett away at the end of the day. We really appreciated the welcome provided by Principal Terry Schmalz and New Emerson's dedicated faculty.

…along the Colorado Trail,

Peggy and Barrett

Grand Times in Grand Junction

2011-09-18T09:26:00.003-06:00

Dateline: Grand Junction, CO

The Colorado Tour

Colorado National Monument

We discovered that Grand Junction is not only a historic crossroads of commerce and trade, but also a contemporary center of outdoor recreation. Ready access to river corridors and lakes, high desert and open prairie, and forested mountain wilderness position Grand Junction as a multi-season, multi-sport hub for the outdoor enthusiast. Consequently, it was a busy couple of days indeed for the Colorado Tour in the Grand Junction area. Outreach efforts took us to the Island Acres and Fruita Sections of James M. Robb - Colorado River State Park, along with an obligatory pilgrimage to Colorado National Monument. Awesome! We also made an evening presentation to an experienced audience of hikers and climbers at a meeting of the Colorado Mountain Club – Western Slope, who shared their best-not-forgotten tales of Leave No Trace-related experiences.

…along the Colorado Trail,

Peggy and Barrett

SOS for Youth

2011-09-16T15:58:00.002-06:00

Dateline: Frisco, CO
The Colorado Tour

SOS Outreach is a dynamic international recreation program whose objective is to build character in youth (courage, wisdom, discipline, compassion and integrity) through outdoor adventure. A diverse cohort of SOS youth leaders gathered with us on a drizzly afternoon at the Frisco Community Center for Leave No Trace training. The group came together from all around the country to work with SOS, many of them as AmeriCorps volunteers. We especially felt kinship with those who, like us, had just arrived in Colorado to begin an exciting new chapter in their lives as trainers, educators, and mentors. It was great to work with this experienced, thoughtful bunch of leaders, and we had energetic discussions about Leave No Trace principles from bonfires to bear canisters, and cat-holes to Biffy Bags. Thanks to Mikayla and Teresa from the Frisco Office of SOS Outreach for their efforts in organizing the session.

…along the Colorado Trail,

Peggy and Barrett

Tune-In to "The Resource"

2011-09-15T08:56:00.004-06:00

Dateline: Vail, CO
The Colorado Tour

Two high school students at the Vail Mountain School entertained a lunchtime gathering of students, teachers, and ourselves with their extemporaneous acting skills in a mock encounter of two hikers, each accompanied by their dog. One hiked with his dog on-leash, the other one traveled with faithful pup off-leash. The students practiced using "Authority of the Resource" as a strategy for teaching about negative impacts through a dialogue based on a common appreciation for the out-of-doors.

...along the Colorado Trail,

Peggy and Barrett

The Four R's

2011-09-14T12:46:00.001-06:00

Recently in Rhinelander, WI we learned of one of Bigfoot's buddies, the nefarious 'Hodag'. Rhinelander is the epicenter for sightings of this Northwoods legend. We found a whimsical representation outside of the town library, with a cool twist. On the bottom of the sculpture made from recycled glass we found a homage to the three R's: Rhiduce, Rhiuse and Rhicycle. When we speak about these great ideas, we always include a fourth R. Refuse. When you're walking down the street people might try and introduce you to an event by way of a paper flier. You can always read it, then give it back. You can take a picture with your smartphone. These ways of refusing prolong the life of that item just a bit longer before it enters the garbage stream. Refuse is often a hard one. In our culture we love free stuff, sometimes if we don't even need it. It might be a flier, plastic silverware, ketchup packets, extra napkins, plastic bags, etc. You'll often find that these items are usually single use or disposable anyway. Say it loud, say it proud! "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse!"

Happy Hodag Hunting:)

Mark and Tara

Photo of the Week 9.12.11

2011-09-12T12:31:00.000-06:00

Swimming at sunset. Lake Marion, Ottawa National Forest.

Mark and Tara

Immoderate Love in the White River National Forest

2011-09-12T10:40:00.000-06:00

Dateline: Vail, CO

The extended Labor Day weekend saw the Colorado Tour working the crowds at popular White River National Forest trailheads in the Vail vicinity. At Gore Creek and Booth Falls Trails, we encountered passels of holiday hikers, many of whom were accompanied by their faithful dogs.

These are indeed beautiful places, but sadly, the oft-traveled trails are suffering the unfortunate impacts of intensive, immoderate love (social trails, erosion, illegal campsites and fire pits, dogs off-leash, etc.). Happily, we met many well-intentioned trail-lovers, and each day provided ample opportunity for friendly dialogue about trail etiquette, ethics, and stewardship.

More than 250 folks received Leave No Trace cards and stickers, including numerous bicyclers who stopped at our Gore Creek hospitality tent for a shady breather and Clif Bar energizer as they rode the popular Vail Pass Bike Path.

…along the Colorado Trail,

Peggy and Barrett

Small Craft Advisory! :

2011-09-11T11:11:00.004-06:00

The e-tour has been camping around the watery, green Northwoods of Wisconsin and Michigan this past week where the lack of internet has undoubtedly saddened our faithful blog-o-philes:). The bounty of crisp, clean water around has afforded us some great swimming, frog watching, and the occasional evening serenade by a solitary Loon.

The e-tour Subaru, which we refer affectionately to as 'Big Blue', is packed to the gills with educational materials, camping gear, bike stuff and the rest of our household needs. What we're getting at is that we have been craving some sort of watercraft, and found a solution that takes up no extra space. Now, if you have no backup, or no patch kit, we don't recommend using your inflatable sleeping pad as a boat. However, we had a pretty fun time of it here on Perch Lake in the Chequamegon National Forest. Things you should Know Before You Go... have a backup sleeping arrangement or patch kit, wear a leash on your sunglasses, and have a waterproof camera.

Enjoy the advent of Fall!

Mark and Tara

The Colorado Tour Heads into the Rockies

2011-09-09T14:45:00.000-06:00

Dateline: Eagle, CO

The Colorado Tour visited Sylvan Lake State Park on Friday and Saturday of the Labor Day Weekend. The park is located in a beautiful remote valley that reaches deep into the heart of the Rockies. It is especially popular as a fishing destination for both day-trippers and overnight campers.

A refreshing rainstorm on Friday night sweetened the dry Colorado air and Saturday dawned fresh and clear. Our outreach booth overlooking the idyllic mountain lake attracted a steady stream of curious hikers and fishermen.

We spent a full day playing the Leave No Trace Quiz for Clif Bar prizes, and swapping tales about outdoor experiences and the ones that got away...

...along the Colorado Trail,

Peggy and Barrett

The Colorado Tour hits the trail with Mountain Bikers in Lyons, Colorado

2011-09-07T13:36:00.000-06:00

The Colorado Tour got rolling on August 30 with a program for the Lyons High School Mountain Biking Club. A cohort of 26 students and teachers braved a tempestuous Colorado rain shower to hear the Leave No Trace message and participate in the inaugural running of the Leave No Trace mountain bike relay.

Two teams competed on the ½ mile course which tested their skills for spotting and collecting trash on the trail, proper yielding to hikers and other mountain bikers, and cat hole techniques and practices. It was, of course, a memorable afternoon and a terrific way to begin the Colorado Tour. Many thanks to our host, Pat Bacalis, of Lyons Middle and High School.

...riding along the Colorado Trail,

Peggy and Barrett

Got Labor Day Plans?

2011-09-02T06:00:00.001-06:00

The e-tour will be spending the Labor Day holiday with fellow campers at O'Connell's Jellystone Park and Camp Resort in Amboy, Illinois. We are excited for a weekend of entertainment, education, outreach, and all things Leave No Trace.

Always looking for an excuse to use our trusty America the Beautiful annual pass, the e-tour took in the sights at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial at the riverfront in St.Louis, MO.

Go play outside this weekend; safely and responsibly for yourself, and the environment.

Mark and Tara

A send-off for youth education

2011-09-01T04:04:00.000-06:00

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is excited to send off the first-ever Leave No Trace Colorado Tour on September 2nd. The Colorado Tour program will reach a diverse group of young people to encourage outdoor recreation and, most importantly, teach them how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Over the next several weeks the Colorado Tour will run 20 educational events training for over 2,000 kids in Leave No Trace outdoor skills and ethics, leaving more than 100,000 impressions on the future stewards of our public lands.

We launched this tour in order to connect an age group with the great outdoors at a time when they need it most. Research indicates that a child who is exposed to outdoor activities and is taught to care for the outdoors at a young age will retain those values throughout their lifetime.

Our Colorado Tour Team happens to be two very experienced individuals. Barrett Kennedy and Peggy Reily are back for their second year with Leave No Trace. In 2010 Barrett and Peggy spent 4 months on the road as the e-tour team traveling through 21 states conducting over 50 workshops to more than 15,000 individuals.

This fall Barrett and Peggy will be running several types of educational sessions including:

· Kids Clinics to teach youth through discussion, activities, skits and slideshows

· Campfire Talks at state and national parks designed to get kids learning about environmental issues in a social setting

· Service projects such as clean ups in local parks, as well as working with youth at local nature centers, boys and girls clubs, and other after school youth programs

· “Train the Trainer” style workshops designed for teachers, guides, agency employees, youth serving organizations and a variety of other outdoor leaders and educators

Special thanks goes to Xcel Energy, New Belgium Brewing Company and Leave No Trace members for providing the support of this traveling tour.

Check out the 2011 Colorado Tour Schedule-

Starlight, Starbright...

2011-08-31T12:01:00.006-06:00

Let's not have a wildfire tonight!

The e-tour stopped in at a campground last night outside St. Louis, and found corn fields rustling, sprawling grassy camp spots, and four abandoned campfires. Yes, four! This one took 40 liters of water to cool down. After the evening's unsettling discoveries, Tara found something to assuage her fears.

There is plenty of information out there on properly putting out campfires. We at Leave No Trace Center are always striving to Minimize Campfire Impacts if and when we have one.

Be Safe Out There!

Mark and Tara

Photo of the Week 8.27.11

2011-08-27T12:04:00.000-06:00

Black and Yellow Garden Spider

Mark and Tara

e-tour team

One Life Wilderness Camp

2011-08-24T13:00:00.000-06:00

You've only got One Life, so get outside and play with all your heart! The e-tour spent the weekend at the One Life Wilderness Base Camp in Winnabow, NC. We shared strategies for teaching Leave No Trace with their trip leaders and introduced an enthusiastic group of day campers to the Youth Principles highlighted in the Peak Program.

After a swift, severe, soaker of a thunderstorm the kids decided to show off their version of how to Choose The Right Path... no fancy boots or waterproof gear required!

On Sunday we 'hung' around to sample a bit of what the camp had to offer. A tree climb high into the canopy of a majestic white oak rewarded us with a view over miles of tidal swamp and flocks of snowy egrets. A special thank you to the Bishop family for great company, thoughtful conversation, delicious meals, and fostering a Leave No Trace mindset for future generations.

Mark and Tara

Your e-tour team.

Music On The Mountaintop 2011

2011-08-23T11:47:00.003-06:00

Bring your sunscreen, your boogie shoes and come party with the e-tour! We are happy to join our outfitting partner Chaco at Music On The Mountaintop 2011 for a gathering of music, camping, and positive vibes. This is a special festival for us, knowing that a percentage of the proceeds will go to protecting the land, air and water of the central and southern Appalachian region. Stop by our booth this weekend and learn how to make your festival experience all the more Leave No Trace. See you there!

Mark and Tara

e-tour team

Who's YOUR Farmer?

2011-08-22T17:22:00.004-06:00

The late summer harvest is bountiful. The e-tour has really enjoyed visiting many local Farmers Markets throughout North Carolina this month. Eating out of our cooler has never tasted better! There are many benefits to visiting a Farmers Market near you, check out a few of the resources we found, try one out and decide for yourself. Local Harvest and the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service are a great place to start looking.

Yummm!

Mark and Tara

2011 e-tour team

Photo of the Week 8.20.11

2011-08-20T11:41:00.001-06:00

Moonrise over Falls Lake, NC

Mark and Tara

Leave No Trace e-tour Team

Downpour Anyone?

2011-08-17T11:49:00.000-06:00

We here at the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics are firm believers that good campsites are found, not made. Sometimes in developed campgrounds even the 'made' campsites are not constructed perfectly :). With a fully flooded tent pad, and a groundsheet reminiscent of a waterbed the e-tour awoke warm and dry. Thank you Coleman!

Early to bed, early to rise.

Coleman keeps the e-tour comfy and dry.

Mark and Tara

No. 2 Blog

2011-08-15T11:15:00.003-06:00

The e-tour has been enjoying some spectacular evening thunderstorms in central North Carolina. All this fast moving water makes us think about what might be cascading along with it. We found two great pieces of signage in the downtown Greensboro Gardens, urging visitors to Trash Your Trash and Pick Up Poop. The signs bring attention to more than just the visual impacts most often associated with this common waste issue.

Be intentional, it's less conventional.

Mark and Tara

Photo of the Week 8.12.11: Insert Face Here:

2011-08-13T12:05:00.002-06:00

Does anyone else enjoy these? Whether we're masquerading as a community hero, or posing as local flora, the e-tour has a penchant for these instant souvenir photo cut-outs. Document your face-in-a-hole trip memories and share them with us.

Tara's little ray of sunshine;)

Mark and Tara

Find the e-tour nearest you.

Take me to the River...

2011-08-12T12:00:00.001-06:00

And LAUNCH me in the water:)

The e-tour beat the heat this week in Charlotte by checking out the famed US National Whitewater Center, where for a reasonable price you can extreme sport yourself into being reasonably sore the next day.

Half amusement park, half training center the 'river' can entertain either from inside a raft taking a big hit, or watching athletes roll and rodeo in the surf honing their skills for competition.

There are options for the tamer soul as well.

And for those looking to reach new heights.

Mark and Tara

Will the e-tour be in your neighborhood soon?

Watch Your Step!

2011-08-10T10:00:00.000-06:00

The e-tour had the joy of meeting another welcoming Community Partner during a song-filled day at Rockbrook Camp for Girls in Brevard, NC. Campers thought about how there are living organisms everywhere and how important it is to stick to trails and Choose the Right Path during their outdoor adventures.

To learn more about Partnership opportunities, CLICK HERE!

What's your favorite trail?

Mark and Tara

North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS)

2011-08-09T11:34:00.006-06:00

Even Bigfoot wanted to come of the woods to meet the dedicated field instructors and staff at Cedar Rock Base Camp. He especially loved hearing the chime of the dinner bell, quickly joining hands to check in from the day and give thanks for his next delicious meal from the kitchen.

We enjoyed some quality time chatting, dining and relaxing with our Community Partner North Carolina Outward Bound School and even had the opportunity to meet up with a group of students in the field. Entering day four of a twenty-one day trip, the "Funky Trailblazers" were ready to explore their own outdoor ethics in a discussion about Leave No Trace.

Mark and Tara

Photo of the Week 8.2.11

2011-08-02T12:11:00.000-06:00

"Waiting for his ship to come in?"

"Feeling crabby?"

"Stop! It's not worth it!"

Feeling witty? Enter your caption HERE:

Mark and Tara

2011 e-tour team

Gum litter, Gum droppers, Gumfitti, Gumpox, oh my!

2011-08-01T10:51:00.003-06:00

Next to cigarette butts, gum is one of the largest littering problems in the world. It is difficult to remove, smells bad, does not break down rapidly over time, is a hazard to wildlife, and is a social, visual, health and environmental impact. We have seen gum posts, gum pipes, gum walls, gum on streets, gum on tables, gum on sidewalks, gum in beard, gum on trails, gum in rivers, gum on shoes, gum in hair, gum in lakes, gum in forests and gum in fields everywhere. Used chewing gum is litter, not art. Please remember to Trash Your Trash and to not encourage this widespread impact on the places you play.

Mark and Tara

2011 e-tour team

Photo of the Week 7.26.11

2011-07-26T06:00:00.000-06:00

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

backyard sessions: Brunswick, GA

2011-07-25T13:26:00.003-06:00

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

Photo of the Week 7.19.11

2011-07-19T20:53:00.003-06:00

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

Photo of the Week 7.11.11

2011-07-11T08:25:00.002-06:00

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'.

Summer Fun Day: Atlanta

2011-07-07T15:10:00.000-06:00

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

Marshall Matters...

2011-07-06T13:36:00.003-06:00

...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

Photo of the Week 7.3.11

2011-07-02T18:00:00.000-06:00

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

Thank You Donors!

2011-06-30T08:01:00.003-06:00

The e-tour would love to thank all the generous donors who have been giving towards our educational mission to bring Leave No Trace to deserving youth around the country. We are excited to have such ardent believers in making meaningful connections to our environment possible for kids everywhere. The both of us are genuinely grateful for your messages of encouragement and patronage.

If you're a fan of Leave No Trace support the e-tour for a day, a week, or more!

Mark and Tara

2011 e-tour team

Photo of the Week 6.26.11

2011-06-26T19:45:00.002-06:00

Buttermilk Falls, Ithaca, NY

Mark and Tara

2011 e-tour team

Adventures NYC

2011-06-26T05:28:00.003-06:00

Yesterday the e-tour joined City of New York Parks and Recreation, Backpacker Magazine, and The North Face at Adventures NYC in Central Park. Beautiful weather and the Unified Bouldering Championships brought the crowds out in force. We challenged people to Dispose of Waste Properly while investigating how long common trash items last when left outside. Many folks were shocked at the idea that landfills hamper decomposition, even for food scrap items and other 'natural' waste.

This puppy enjoyed the festivities while catching a ride and keeping cool. It's easy to dispose of your pet waste properly when they are kept on a leash... or in a stroller:)

Mark and Tara

2011 e-tour team

Photo of the Week 6.18.11

2011-06-18T08:00:00.000-06:00

The e-tour strolled around the grounds at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. Thousands of species of flora, impressive vegetable plantings, water gardens, forested knolls and many engaging exhibits for children allowed for hours of sensory excitement. We found their attention to the auditory experience a fresh approach to the old standby of a garden stroll. Wood block instruments, chimes, fountains, and insects provided a pleasing soundtrack to the meandering paths throughout the property.

Mark and Tara

2011 e-tour team

Christodora-Manice Education Center

2011-06-17T11:11:00.003-06:00

Florida, MA. The e-tour provided a Leave No Trace Awareness Workshop to the seasonal staff of the Manice Education Center in the Berkshire mountains of Northwest Massachusetts. They are preparing for their first round of campers to arrive to participate in environmental education and leadership development courses including multi-day excursions into wilderness settings. Most of the campers they see have never left New York City before and no one is denied participation due to financial need. The staff will be teaching their campers how to Leave No Trace on their trips backpacking and canoeing while encouraging a spirit of cooperation and self-confidence guiding participants toward a broader understanding of themselves, their environment and their community.

Thanks for such a great visit!

Mark and Tara

2011 e-tour team

Bigfoot spotted again!

2011-06-17T10:30:00.003-06:00

Greenbrier State Park, MD. Last weekend the e-tour found Bigfoot coming off the Appalachian Trail to meet up with his friends at the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) Day and Picnic. The PATC, operated by large committees of dedicated and energetic volunteers, maintain 240 miles of the Appalachian Trail (stretching 2175 miles between Maine and Georgia) and also maintain other regional trails totalling over 1000 miles.

Bigfoot checks out a map with Trail Patrol members Courtney, Barb, Murry, Bob and Cindy.

We enjoyed three days of engaging conversation, laughs, and yummy food with the Trail Patrol committee who is the education and outreach section of the PATC. Throughout the year they offer a number of outdoor skills classes for the public including backpacking, hike leadership, CPR, backcountry first aid and Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics! Thank you to all our new Potomac Appalachian Trail Club friends for the hard work you continue to accomplish!

Get outside and take a class to have some fun and improve your skills!

Mark and Tara

2011 e-tour team

The North Face Endurance Challenge: D.C.

2011-06-13T08:00:00.001-06:00

Bigfoot broke a sweat catching up with athletes at the latest installment of The North Face Endurance Challenge series. Just outside our nation's capitol along the banks of the Potomac River participants took to the trails at Algonkian Regional Park in races ranging from 5 km to 50 miles. After crossing the finish line and catching their breath many of the runners marveled at the hard work of The North Face's Leave No Trace volunteers who kept the course clean all weekend long. While Bigfoot posed on the podium the e-tour team educated and entertained the youth in attendance with interactive games illustrating the importance of recreating responsibly.

Mark and Tara

2011 e-tour team

Baltimore Inner City Outings

2011-06-12T18:38:00.003-06:00

How Long Does it Last?

6/7/11. The e-tour spent a couple hours after school with students at Digital Harbor High School in Baltimore, MD. Many of the students at the workshop were gearing up and preparing for summer and fall adventures with Baltimore Inner City Outings (BICO). Founded in 1999, the goal of BICO is to provide under-served Baltimore City youth with educational, enjoyable and safe experiences at no cost to them.

The students reflected on how important it is to Trash Your Trash by considering how long it really takes for some of our common trash and recyclables to break down in nature and played an exciting game of Step on It! Challenging themselves to understand which surfaces are more durable while they Stick to Trails.

Mark and Tara

2011 e-tour team

Photo of the Week 6.12.11

2011-06-12T17:39:00.003-06:00

The e-tour took a morning stroll at Patapsco Valley State Park and found the "Swinging Bridge" to be a welcome respite from the hot, humid weather that Maryland has been having lately. The bridge was originally constructed to allow passage for the Orange Grove mill workers to pass between their settlement and the mill. The remnants of their historic workplace can still be inspected by visitors to this cool and shady retreat only minutes from downtown Baltimore. We were thrilled to see bicyclists striving to Be Considerate Of Other Visitors, obeying signage asking two wheeled travelers to walk their bike across the span. It's a long way down to the waters of the Patapsco River, and as you can see, space on the narrow bridge is at a premium.

Mark and Tara

2011 e-tour team

Merryland

2011-06-05T15:41:00.003-06:00

The e-tour team has been spending some time in the fine state of Maryland. Two of those events were in conjunction with Maryland State Parks. At Rocky Gap State Park we joined in the training of over sixty exuberant interpretive staff members, who will be entering their busy summer season with an aim to incorporate the principles of Leave No Trace into their already stellar park programming. A very special thanks to Matthew Ritter, Maryland Park Service Chief of Interpretation for keeping the camping close by, and far from a rumbling tummy.

We enjoyed a perfect summer day on the shores of the Chesapeake with thousands of kids gearing up for their time away from the classroom, and out of doors at the Maryland Green School Youth Summit. We taught a lot of aspiring outdoor enthusiasts how to Know Before You Go, to keep them having fun on all of their adventures. Mark had been looking forward to this event ever since he found out there was going to be a kite rally!

Mark and Tara

2011 e-tour team

Picture of the Week 6.4.11

2011-06-04T06:03:00.006-06:00

Sunrise over the Chesapeake Bay. Better than coffee:)

Virginia Heights

2011-06-02T17:39:00.029-06:00

Compton Overlook

Last week after a short hike in Shenandoah National Park, the e-tour had an amazing evening and delicious bbq dinner with our Virginia State Advocate Laurie Harmon and her husband Randy. The following morning we had the opportunity to introduce the Leave No Trace principles to her Outdoor Education and Leadership class at George Mason University in Manassas, VA. During the lesson, we also had time to play a few activities with her students such as "The Ethics Game" from the TEEN Activity Pack and "Minimum Impact Match" from the PEAK Activity Pack that these aspiring outdoor educators can add to their bag of tricks for future use.

Susan, Dan and Laurie

After the class, Laurie introduced us to Susan and Dan at The EDGE: Mason Center for Team and Organizational Learning who recently received a Leave No Trace Connect Grant. The EDGE has a mission to challenge the members of the global community to better understand themselves, those around them, and their world by using innovative approaches that educate, inspire and empower. We enjoyed a full tour of their facility and wished we had more time in our schedule to enliven our sense of adventure in their daring treetop playgrounds.

The Tower

Connect Grants are primarily focused on providing support and training to people and organizations that work with culturally diverse communities. To learn more and apply click here.

We hope you have the opportunity to get out and challenge yourself this week. Have fun!

Mark and Tara

2011 e-tour team

Urban Strawberry

2011-05-30T08:01:00.003-06:00

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

A visit to the Eastern Shore...

2011-05-26T14:43:00.010-06:00

...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

Explore Your Parks: Mason Neck State Park, VA

2011-05-22T19:39:00.003-06:00

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.

Picture of the Week 5/22/11

2011-05-22T18:59:00.002-06:00

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

Ready, set, FLEDGE!

2011-05-18T12:55:00.000-06:00

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

2011 Leave No Trace e-tour is set to take off!

2011-04-29T06:07:00.000-06:00

Last night our newest team arrived at the Leave No Trace office, set to take on a brand new educational exploration as the 2011 e-tour team. I would like to introduce you to Mark and Tara. Mark and Tara are excited, ecstatic, enthused and energized to explore and enjoy the out of doors with you this season. They will be in Colorado for the next couple of weeks going through training as well as providing some local outreach to groups across the front range before they ultimately head east to start their (e) tour. The Leave No Trace e-tour, sponsored by the Coleman Company and The North Face, 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. Check out their schedule and come say hello to them when they are in your neck of the woods. We look forward to seeing you on the road this summer!

Sincerely,
-Dave Winter
Outreach Manager

Meet the 2011 Leave No Trace e-tour team!

MARK ARDAGNA AND TARA MCCARTHY

Mark and Tara met on the shore of beautiful Lake Tahoe, dancing to a local band one starry summer night. They both worked for the Forest Service; encouraging responsible recreation and stewardship of our public lands. Mark feels blessed to work teaching outdoor ethics as a naturalist, interpreter, children's ski instructor, and backcountry wilderness ranger. Tara specializes in outreach, conservation education, interpretation and outdoor recreation. She feels fortunate to have also spent many days in the field restoring ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada. They believe in the power of intention, living their lives through direct experience, while continually seeking new and exciting opportunities to learn and teach. With a commitment to ensuring a sustainable future, they share a passion for inspiring meaningful connections to the environment and getting youth outside. Together they enjoy backpacking, snowsports, mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, live music, and game nights. Their most relished sojourn is living out of a tent, having logged thousands of miles in the pursuit of happiness visiting the cherished places and open spaces our gorgeous country has to offer. Tara and Mark are energized for their next adventure, life on the road as your 2011 e-tour team!

2010 e-tour slideshow!

2011-01-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

Heading for the Barn

2010-11-02T00:13:00.000-06:00

From Final_Misc

After fits and starts, Indian Summer is finally giving way to Autumn for true. Trees and shrubs along our route have burst into a brilliant red and orange flame of color before literally going bare overnight in a shower-storm of leaves. The rest of nature is faithfully following suit: reptilian creatures metabolically slowing down and slithering into hibernation holes; warm-blooded migratory birds heading for Gulf Coast marshes and Central American wildlands; and, like the “V”-flights of geese honkily winging their way towards more seasonable climes, we’re seeing flocks of human RVers abandoning their northerly summer habitats and beating a hasty retreat down to Florida, South Texas, and Arizona. The state parks have been suddenly and rapidly depopulated as if by some instinctive genetic signal that winter is imminent. Campers have packed up the strings of lights, banners, bird feeders, and grills. They've folded pullout modules back into the RV and securely stowed canopies, screened cabanas, and bikes. Where once we might have been cheek by jowl with a host of frontcountry campers, we now have our pick of overnight sites in an otherwise empty campground estate. But, sadly, we too are heeding the seasonal clock as we head down the e-Tour's final stretch and contemplate a return to our South Louisiana home.

However, before returning the Subaru and Coleman camper to Boulder, CO where we started our odyssey, there was one last stopover that we wanted to make. Accordingly, we planned our route back to our Boulder barn so that we could pass through Wichita, KS, home of the Coleman Company. Coleman is the primary sponsor of our e-Tour, and it was great to have an opportunity to make a final e-Tour presentation to folks at the corporate HQ. We reviewed the e-Tour mission and the itinerary of our four-month sojourn, and demonstrated some of the teaching-learning activities and techniques that we've used to reach our widely varied audiences. At the presentation conclusion, a gent from corporate communications approached us with an epiphany of sorts... this e-Tour sponsorship and Coleman's commitment to promoting outdoor ethics and stewardship is a significant source of pride for Coleman employees. He expressed a desire to make the story of the e-Tour and Coleman's ongoing relationship with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics part of every Coleman employee's orientation and training. Well, we couldn't agree more... it is a great story, and e-Tour is a fitting and right-minded sponsorship for the Coleman Company.

The conversation reminded us of a quote that we recently came across: "We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And, if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know." Reflecting on this, we can hope that the 2010 e-Tour has helped folks frame some of the questions about personal choices, find common ground for dialogue and constructive action, and have a better understanding for the necessity of a sustainable conservation ethic. We can also hope that our shared love for the outdoors is mutually beneficial, sustaining both the environment and ourselves. It's the ongoing, generous support of Coleman and other Leave No Trace sponsors and partners that enables the e-Tour to shed a little (lantern) light on how we can all, regardless of age or experience, enjoy the outdoors in a responsible, sustainable, and yes, loving way.

From Final_Misc

Hoping that this is but the prelude, and that we will meet you yet down the migratory road, perhaps in another clime and another season, always seeking to Leave No Trace as the story continues...

Thanks go especially to Coleman's Nicole Freund, who has been and continues to be a dedicated champion for the e-Tour and Leave No Trace. And, of course, incalculable thanks go to the extraordinary folks at the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics for their dedication and support.

From Final_Misc

Peggy and Barrett

2010 Leave No Trace e-Tour

Leave No Trace Down the Natchez Trace

2010-10-31T11:13:00.000-06:00

Another weekend, another encounter with a congregation of 10,000 to 12,000 boy scouts… This time we traveled down the Natchez Trace from Nashville to a location deep in the Mississippi Delta for the Chickasaw Council ScoutBase 2010. This particular Boy Scout centennial celebration brought troops from Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi to a former cotton field that's been transformed into the Paul Battle Arena and Exposition Center in Tunica, MS.

From Tunica_ScoutBase2010

No matter the location, it's impressive to see these legions of scouts encamped at the jamboree events. Tent cities arise in a matter of a few hours, complete with physical infrastructure, civic services, neighborhoods, and commerce. We begin to imagine what armies of yore must have looked like when on campaign. It's also interesting to note the prevalence of Coleman tents, lanterns and kitchen gear in these scout campaigns... particularly when it comes to the kitchen gear, the scouts are well-equipped and provisioned. Napoleon knew that a battle-ready army marches on its stomach. Today's scouts are no exception, and the food prep area is more often than not the center of scout activity. For our part, we are appreciative. More than once we've been the grateful recipients of a generously shared meal (see earlier blog entitled "Bleu in the Blue Grass State").

We've also been wowed by the Scouts' management of logistics for the diverse exhibitry at these jamborees. In Tunica, we had a great location for our e-Tour booth at the intersection of two main pedestrian boulevards through the exhibit area. We were next to a row of livestock pens in the expansive open-air shelter, just across from the popular NASA exhibit (cool space-age ink pens and Star Trekky badges with flashing LEDs). A few steps down from us was the booth promoting "Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion." We're talking strategic placement for sure... Shaded from sun and protected from threat of rain, we had ample room for our Subaru Tribeca billboard, exhibit table, Bigfoot feet and poster, and the hordes (and we do mean hordes) of boy scouts, cubs, parents, and Council staff who visited. The crowds impressed us as being extraordinarily friendly, and time and again folks thanked us for bringing the e-Tour to the ScoutBase event.

From Tunica_ScoutBase2010

In addition to the incredibly friendly and thoughtful folks we met at Tunica and every other stop along our way, a most enduring impression stands out: the image of a small child cradled in their parent’s arms, tired and spent from a long day at the festival or jamboree, whose eyes immediately light up in a sparkle as their face is transformed by a sweet, often shy, elfin smile at the offer of a Bigfoot sticker. Now that’s the kind of pleasant and poignant sensation that we’re bound to carry with us as we travel down the road. Who knows what Leave No Trace magic our gentle Bigfoot mascot might work in the mind of a child. Safe to say, we’re confident that during our travels we’ve met innumerable outdoor ethics champions of the future.

From Tunica_ScoutBase2010

Hoping to meet them again along the way… maybe you'll be in their good company (you could be one of those champions, too).

Peggy and Barrett

2010 Leave No Trace e-Tour

e-Word: "enlumine"

PEAKing in Nashville

2010-10-29T07:15:00.000-06:00

From REI_Nashville

We made a stop at the REI Store in Nashville for a Wednesday evening workshop on teaching with the PEAK Pack. The turnout was pretty eclectic, and included a Boy Scout who is his troop’s new Leave No Trace leader, YMCA youth activity coordinators, an education specialist from Tennessee State Parks, a board member from the historic Traveller’s Rest Plantation, and REI employees seeking to sharpen their skills with the PEAK Pack. We find that a regimen of Step On It, How Long Does It Last, and Minimum Impact Match usually encourages active, uninhibited audience participation, and this group was definitely no exception.

From REI_Nashville

We had great questions about approaches to teaching Leave No Trace and the choices that we face as we enjoy our outdoor experiences. These are the kind of questions that, hopefully, help us think about our personal practice of Leave No Trace ethics. The choices aren't black-and-white, and they're not always obvious or easy. Developing a sense of outdoor ethics means that we have to exercise-our-uniquely-human-capacity-for-reflective-thought. Whereas other creatures may live and die according to purely instinctive behaviors in response to environment and circumstance, we humans have the ability to make conscious choices about our actions... for better or for worse.

From REI_Nashville

We ended the workshop with each participant using our U.S. map to locate a great park or wild place that they had visited and then to identify an equally compelling wild place that they would like to go. It’s fascinating when folks thoughtfully reflect on the memorable experiences they’ve had on our public lands, and to hear about the allure that beautiful and compelling places hold. We're hoping that those places continue to offer the same allure for our children and grandchildren. Perhaps they will, but only if we manage to make the right choices...

Thanks go to Chuck Robinson, Outreach Specialist at the Brentwood REI Store, for coordinating our visit.

Hoping, just hoping…

Peggy and Barrett

2010 Leave No Trace e-Tour

e-Word: “exercising-our-uniquely-human-capacity-for-reflective-thought”

Bleu in the Blue Grass State

2010-10-25T20:36:00.000-06:00

From Louisville BSA Jamboree

E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park on the eastside of Louisville, KY was the site of the big centennial rendezvous for the Blue Grass, Lincoln Heritage, and Shawnee Trails Boy Scout Councils. It was an absolutely beautiful and mild autumn weekend, so the turnout was huge and folks were in exceptionally good spirits. Estimated crowd size ranged upwards of 12,000 scout and parents. We set up our camper and Subaru at the entrance to the exhibition midway next to our event host, Dan Thompson of Troop 111 from Lexington, who is the Blue Grass Council's Outdoor Ethics Advocate. Dan created an amazing Leave No Trace maze for the troops to navigate, while we used the high profile Subaru and Coleman pop-up as the marquee for our joint Leave No Trace activity area.

It seemed that we were busy from the time that we arrived on Friday until our Sunday departure. Dan was a great host, and the event was well planned and executed. Friday night there was a warm-up concert on the main event stage, and even then we were button-holed by a number of folks who expected to be too busy with their own exhibits on Saturday to drop by our encampment. On Saturday, our day began early as we were visited well before sunup by a scout who was eagerly reporting for volunteer duty at Dan’s maze. By first light, the array of activities in our neighborhood had begun in earnest, and from that point forward we had a steady stream of customers all day. The day was capped off with an evening of great bluegrass music that provided an accompaniment for the choreography of a 12 bag and basket hot-air balloon glow.

On the gastronomic front, Dan’s troop also shared their lunch with us on Saturday as well as a fantastic meal on Saturday night: chicken cordon bleu, brown rice, fresh snap beans, and baked raisin-cinnamon apples for dessert. Whoa! It was some good! We tried to recruit the troop’s incomparable gourmet chef, Don, to travel with us in our Coleman pop-up’s guest bedroom…

From Louisville BSA Jamboree

Hoping to see you next time we’re in the chicken cordon bleu grass state.

Peggy and Barrett

Leave No Trace e-Tour 2010

e-Word: “epicurean”

Pyrotechnics on the Platte

2010-10-25T07:18:00.000-06:00

It was time for the Mid-America Boy Scout Council's ScoutQuest, and with our Leave No Trace Subaru and Coleman Pop-Up camper set up near the Order of the Arrow tent and the Quartermaster's station (and flush toilets) at Mahoney State Park near Omaha, Nebraska, we had a splendid weekend for talking Leave No Trace with scouts from Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota.

From Nebraska BSA ScoutQuest

Mahoney State Park, one of the premiere state parks in Nebraska, overlooks the Platte River near its confluence with the Missouri River. We situated our pop-up along the main park road high on a hill that caught both pleasant breezes and scouts making their way back and forth from their troop's camp site to the midway. "Camp Oh-No!" served as a catalyst for discussing good/bad camping practices with cubs and experienced scouts alike. We continue to be impressed with the Boy Scouts' concerted efforts to teach and train scouts and leaders about minimum impact camping, and our Bigfoot Challenge is the perfect complement for this initiative by encouraging youth to teach each other about the practices of Leave No Trace.

It was a long and full day, and by the time the sun was setting we were ready to pack up our Bigfoot slippers and put "Camp Oh-No!" to bed. Outreach can be hard work indeed, but gratifying when you have the opportunity to reach audiences numbering in the thousands. As we took a walk on the outer loop around the park Saturday night, we listened to the ScoutQuest centennial celebration grand finale featuring a performance by the American English Beatles Band followed by a fireworks display that rocked the prairie's expansive night sky. It put an explosive finishing touch on our week in Nebraska.

From Nebraska BSA ScoutQuest

Thanks to Steve and Tommi Foy Jones for facilitating our set-up at the ScoutQuest.

Hoping to see you out enjoying the natural pyrotechnics in the night sky...

Peggy and Barrett

Leave No Trace e-Tour 2010

e-Word: "explosive"