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BENEFICIAL BLOG POSTS
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EDUCATION NEAR YOU
Find out when the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers will be in your neck of the woods.
TECH TIPS FROM THE TEAMS
Campsite care, gear tips, and more!
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
with two Leave No Trace community partners
LEAVE NO TRACE IN EVERY PARK Kicking off a second century of stewardship next summer
SEPTEMBER 2015 | www.LNT.org
SEPTEMBER 2015
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skills: End of summer safety Plan ahead & prepare for the season change
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happy birthday national parks Why our national parks need Leave No Trace
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the fantastic 4 Updates for outdoor advocates
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traveling trainer tech tips How to care for your campsite, gear hacks, and more!
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2016 hot spots Nominate your choice today!
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Top 5 Blog posts Check out our 5 favorite posts
Cover photo taken by #InEveryPark photo contest winner: Leanne Scherp. Photo taken on ‘The Chief’ hike in Squamish, BC
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Leave No Trace Pro Shop Order a vapur bottle for your next adventure
End of Summer Safety Summer is winding down, the kids are back in school, and your favorite trails, rivers, and camping spots are seeing less action. This all means that now is the perfect time to take advantage of the fewer crowds and cooler air. But, with the changing season comes changing conditions and these three simple Plan Ahead and Prepare tips will help keep you within your comfort zone and psyched for next weekend’s outing.
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As summer comes to an end, the days are getting shorter and shorter, and cooler temperatures are approaching. Having a small, packable headlamp or flashlight stowed in your pack in addition to an insulating layer and a light rainshell will ensure you’re prepared to continue your adventures after dusk.
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The timing of over 500 bear attacks since the early 1900’s indicates that bear attacks are quite seasonal in nature, most occurring in late summer and autumn. When in the backcountry: travel with others and speak or sing to alert a bear of your presence and avoid startling them. Also be sure to properly store food and oderous items per the local land managers’ recommendations.
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Exerting yourself during summer heat and humidity often means lots of sweat – which is a great indicator of how much water you’re losing. Do not forget that you’re still sweating away lots of precious fluid in the crisp fall weather; drink water even though you don’t feel clammy.
Leave No Trace &
the National Parks Service Centennial Dana Watts, Leave no trace executive director
One of my earliest connections to the national park system was our annual family trek to Grand Lake, located along the headwaters of the Colorado River and at the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. Five kids loaded into the 1976 beater olive green station wagon ready for outdoor adventure (and sibling harassment). Seatbelts? Probably not. Video games and smartphones? Definitely not. But pure excitement abounded as we headed into the foothills on this voyage to the largest and deepest natural glacier lake in Colorado. This trip was always a special one partly because I knew, year-after-
year, things were consistent at Grand Lake and in the park. I knew we could count on endless hours swimming in the lake, boating, fishing off the dock and on the banks. We hiked on the many trails from our cabin and enjoyed marshmallows burned in the lakeside campfire. And my personal favorite memory: the storms that rolled in every afternoon as they do at almost 9,000 feet elevation in the Rockies. This was always the kids’ cue to pack it up at the lake and head into town to Polly’s Candy Kitchen for white chocolate mint bark and homemade fudge. We counted on these experiences. Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park
Photo taken by Dana Watts in Grand Lake, CO in July 2015
never let us down.
One hundred years ago, the National Park Service was created It was this experience—the whole by an act signed by President national park package with the Woodrow Wilson on August 25, gateway town, the tiny cabins on 1916. Because of this mission, “to the lake, the stop to chat with the preserve unimpaired the natural park ranger at the visitor center, and cultural resources and values the boats and fishing, the trails of the National Park System for that wandered from cabin to cabin the enjoyment, education, and and then endlessly into the woods inspiration of this and future that made these memories so vivid generations,” our experiences for me. within national parks can forever be enjoyed and preserved for I traveled to Grand Lake in June future generations. Leave No once again but this time with my Trace plays a critical role in the husband and three kids. Of course future success of the National Park the area has changed a bit in the Service’s mission as more people past 25 years, yet the beauty of explore and seek experiences in those rocky peaks and crystal our nation’s parks. And it’s one of glacier lake are exactly the same the reasons we’ve announced our for me. The park became officially long-term campaign: Leave No protected one hundred years ago - Trace in Every Park. for people to appreciate, enjoy and be stewards of. It’s profound to Imagine healthy, vibrant lands for think that this national park will be all people to enjoy, now and into here, with its magnificent beauty the future. Imagine, all visitors and endless opportunities to enjoy connecting with the land such that nature, for my kids, grandkids and they are inspired to care for and beyond. That’s why we celebrate protect it for the future. Leave No the National Parks Centennial. It is Trace in Every Park works to build also why Leave No Trace plays such a nation-wide code of ethics for a critical role in the future of all the care and protection of all parks parks and protected areas. and protected areas.
This is the vision of Leave No Trace, All people should seek the the National Park Service and our opportunity to define their own hope for the Leave No Trace in outdoor experiences that last. Every Park Campaign. And what better time to activate this campaign as we begin to celebrate the National Park Centennial. In the next few months, look for Leave No Trace events and special trainings on the National Park’s– Find Your Park website. This special site showcases individual stories about people and parks and the important human connections that exist. Additionally, through the Leave No Trace in Every Park campaign, we continue to rollout our Hot Spot programs that showcase Leave No Trace training and education in action. We are also working to inventory how Leave No Trace currently exists in parks and protected areas across the nation so we have a base line to build on for our campaign into 2016. With more Leave No Trace resources, training, education, signage and volunteerism, we can realize a Leave No Trace in Every Park vision.
Photo of Dana and her family at Headwaters Marina in Grand Lake, CO in July 2015
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the fAntAstic Updates you need to know right now
a walk in the woods
In conjunction with the movie release of Bill Bryson’s book A Walk In The Woods, pithy educational videos titled “Don’t Be That Guy – Appalachian Trail - Leave No Trace,” were released this month. Also featuring Leave No Trace is the soon to be released Appalachian Trail Game: Special Addition, Prepare For Your Own Walk In the Woods.
US FOREST SERVICE TAKE OVER For two days, the Washington Office of the US Forest Service turned their Facebook page over to USDA staff working with the Center on Leave No Trace’s Nordhouse Dunes Hot Spot event. They then hosted a live streaming webinar featuring Leave No Trace education and the Center’s work at Nordhouse Dunes in Michigan.
Centennial science Leave No Trace’s Ben Lawhon presented research findings for the National Park Service’s Centennial Science behind the Scenery Series at Rocky Mountain National Park last month. The program is a series that highlights scientific learning and activity.
Rocking a better world Telluride, Colorado’s Blues & Brews Festival encourages fans to do their part when it comes to practicing Leave No Trace. By purchasing a Telluride Green Ticket festival-goers have the opportunity to help reduce environmental impact and support Leave No Trace. Watch for music festivals around the country following suit.
leave no trace
TECH TIPS Did you know that in 2015 alone the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers have visited 118 parks, spent 134 nights sleeping under the stars, and have cooked 252 meals on a camp stove? These outdoor experts know just about every Leave No Trace trick in the book; here are Leave No Trace tech tips perfect for your next adventure.
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Site creep is the gradual expansion of a campsite through trampling of vegetation or camping on non-durable surfaces. Stay within the preset boundaries of a frontcountry campsite and try to remain on durable surfaces like rock, sand, dry grass, or compacted soil in backcountry sites. Avoid crushing or camping on wildflowers, moss, or forest ferns and other vegetation.
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A tip for viewing wildlife - bring your binoculars if you are hoping for wildlife sightings on your next adventure! Looking through a lens is a respectful way to achieve a close up view while keeping a safe distance.
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Picture your cooler: have you ever been afraid to eat your greens because they were sitting in ice, now water, alongside your meats? An easy way to avoid contamination is to contain your meats in a dry bag or tupperware. This is an effective, simple way to keep family and friends safe while away from modern conveniences of home.
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A Frisbee, or flying disc, is more than just an instrument of fun. In fact, it is one of our “must have” items when camping. You can use it as a plate, a fan for the fire, or a water dish for your dog. Want to go faster on a float trip? It is the perfect paddle! Packing light doesn’t mean buying expensive gear, it simply means being creative with the few items that you do carry.
2016 Hot Spot
Nominations extended! Hot Spots, part of Leave Upcoming 2015 No Trace’s new, multi-year Hot Spots: campaign called Leave No Trace in Every Park, bring Leave McAfee Knob, Appalachian Trail No Trace to life with education Roanoke, VA September 23rd-30th and outreach programs that Ventana Wilderness work to turn the tide on longBig Sur, CA term damage to nature. October 5th-12th
The first deadline for Hot Spot nominations was August 15th. Nominations submitted on or prior to this date will be given priority for 2016 Hot Spot status. From August 16-December 31, the Center will continue to accept rolling 2016 Hot Spot nominations. Learn More!
Pinnacle mountain state park
Little Rock, AR October 5th-12th
Photo taken at the July Mount Bierstadt Hot Spot in Colorado. Leave No Trace led a 2-day Trainer Course for the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps and U.S. Forest Service Staff. The course was part of the week-long Hot Spot event.
Photo taken at Franklin Public Library in Franklin, Massachusettes during an interactive learning activity for children. Katelyn Stutterheim teaches participants how to ‘keep wildlife wild’ through a creative, construction based game.
Top 5
Backcountry Blog Posts In addition to creating the best outdoor tech tips, Leave No Trace’s Traveling Teams are also excellent backcountry bloggers! This month, the Center’s staff chose the top 5 blog posts to share with fellow outdoor advocates.
CLICK TO WATCH!
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How to Minimize Your Impact at a Festival West Central Team, Pat and TJ are experienced festivarians. Whether they are attending the Telluride Bluegrass Festival or the Ouray Ice Festival they are never leaving a trace on festival grounds. Check out their latest video to pick up some tips for your next festival experience!
Be Full of Wonder to Create a Wonderful World While Katelyn and Blake are out teaching Leave No Trace in the East Central United States they are also busy discovering what fills them with wonder and awe. Take a look at their blog post to pick up some little known facts about those who we share the trail with.
Helpful How-to’s on Connecting with Kids Jenna and Sam have been working with youth across the West just about every weekend this summer and have pulled together some of their best tips on working with those smaller outdoor enthusiasts.
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Creative Campsite Cooking Team West highlights some crucial campside cooking techniques to keep you healthy and safe while enjoying time in the backcountry. Spice up your usual menu with these tips.
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Top 5 Camping Apps
Find out how to use the latest technology to help you Plan Ahead and Prepare for your next endeavor! Profiles of five of Jenna and Sam’s favorite camping apps explain how to use the apps most effectively as well as some of their limitations.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
with Leave No Trace Community Partners
Blue Waters Kayaking is the oldest and only full service kayaking outfitter in Point Reyes, CA as well as a new Community Partner in 2015. Whether you are ready for your first paddle or are a seasoned kayaker, Blue Waters Kayaking is ready to take you on an adventure. Q: Our Leave No Trace partnership will... A: help Blue Waters Kayaking educate all who participate in our adventures.
Q: How do you get from point A to point B? A: Kayak, mountain bike, stand up paddle board, or hike. Q: Why is Leave No Trace important? A: Kayak camping on the Tomales Bay in the Point Reyes National Seashore has become extremely popular. Q: Proudest accomplishment as an organization? A: Best Tour Operator in the West by Sea Kayaker magazine 2008-2011.
Leave No Trace Community Partners – businesses, organizations, colleges, universities, non-profits, agencies and others whether directly involved in the outdoors or not, that hold conservation, education and community as core values. Community Partners around the country can play a significant role in the conservation of our shared natural resources, and are vital in sharing and delivering Leave No Trace education, outreach, and training.
The Student Conservation Association is building the next generation of conservation leaders by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land. Established in 1957, and a community partner since 2002, the SCA inspires lifelong stewardship of the environment and communites in the United States. Q: Most forgotten Leave No Trace principle: A: Leave what you find - we always end up with pockets full of dirt and mud on our boots.
Q: Wildest dream: A: To have everyone commit to serving one year in service to the land. Q: Our Leave No Trace partnership will... A: allow us to fully incorporate Leave No Trace training into all of our programs. Q: Favorite outdoor destination? A: Torn between the Olympic and Grand Teton National Parks, they were the first places to host Student Conservation Association crews.
PRO SHOP SALE The Vapur Anti-Bottle is on SALE through September! The 0.7-liter Vapur bottle will be the perfect addition to your next outdoor adventure! This super packable bottle is BPA free and is both designed and made in the USA. Pick up a Vapur AntiBottle while supplies last! VAPUR ANTI-BOTTLE regularly $11.95 now $8.97 Click the picture to find them online!
Education near YOU Arizona: - Ragnar Trail Relays, Fountain Hills, Nov. 5-7 - Phoenix Summit Challenge URock Festival, Phoenix, Nov. 14 - Tour de Tucson Ride Day, Tucson, Nov. 21 - Pima Canyon Trailhead, Phoenix, Nov. 23 California: - Yosemite Face Lift, Yosemite National Park, Sept. 23-27 - Eel River Clean-Up, Garberville, Oct. 24 Colorado: - Rocky Mountain Subaru Festival, Commerce City, Sept. 13 - Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, Telluride, Sept. 17-21
Illinois: - PSC Event, Canton, Sept. 12 - Hi-Cone Adopt-a-Beach Clean Up, Itasca, Sept. 19 - L.L. Bean, Skokie, Sept. 20 - L.L. Bean, South Barrington, Sept. 21
South Carolina: - The Local Hiker, Spartanburg, Nov. 7 - Kings Mountain National Military Park, Blacksburg, Nov. 20 - Huzzah Hikers Club, Blacksburg, Nov. 21
Kansas: - Cub Scout Adventure Day, Oskaloosa, Sept. 26 - Wyandotte High School, Kansas City, Sept. 29
Texas: - Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, Laredo, Oct. 10 - Eaton Hill Nature Center, Sonora, Oct. 17 - Harker Heights Parks & Recreation Family Campout, Harker Heights, Nov. 6-8
Mississippi: - BSA Yocona Area Council, Randolph, Nov. 14 Missouri: - Bike Stop Cafe & Outpost, St. Charles, Oct. 2
Washington: - Ragnar Trail Relays, Twisp, Sept. 10-12 - International Coastal Clean Up Day, view Whidbeythe Island, Sept. 19 to
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