Shenandoah National Park

The park believes that having a Leave No Trace champion on staff is critical to the implementation of the program. Also, it is essential to have Leave No Trace education in a variety of pathways such as on all signage, as part of issuing backcountry permits, and in every program with an educational background. Likewise, the park believes having more staff presence, especially in the backcountry, to offer informal interpretation and Leave No Trace discussions, as well as more face time and personal interaction with permitting is important. Another success is the Master Educator course offered by NOLS. NOLS supplies a free scholarship every other spring for Shenandoah employees.

Highlighted Facts

• Shenandoah National Park achieved a score of 37/40 at the time it was designated as a Gold Standard Site.
• The park holds annual Leave No Trace courses for employees, concessions staff, and volunteers to help them communicate outdoor skills and ethics to visitors.
• The park partners with Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) and National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) for Master Educator courses.