Raptor Ambassadors Under the Cottonwoods

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

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

"Training" the Trainers

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

Relay Madness at Black Bear Lake

We spent the day at Black Bear Lake Day Camp in Clarksburg, NJ.  This is an exciting way for kids to spend the lazy days of summer.  Activities include swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, sports, laser tag, and of course, camping and outdoor skills.  We had the opportunity to work with 8 groups of campers ranging in age from 6-12. The Leave No Trace Relay Race was a huge hit.  The campers really enjoyed the hands-on approach to learning the principles of Leave No Trace.  When we asked each group what they learned during the activity, the most common response was "the rule of thumb".  Respecting wildlife is an important part of experiencing the outdoors, after all, we are visiting their home.  Using the 'rule of thumb' is simple- start by extending your arm directly in front of you and give the animal a thumbs up.  Then close one eye and try to cover the animal with your thumb.  If you can completely cover the animal, then you are a safe distance away from the animal.  By using the rule of thumb, you will ensure safety for both you and the wildlife.  Remember to never feed, follow, or chase wildlife!

Safe Travels...

~Tracy and Kate, e-tour 2008