What is a Leave No Trace Master Educator?

Davenport, IA: Leave No Trace partners with groups to foster a responsible outdoor ethic.  Our partners keep Leave No Trace thriving around the world. There are various levels of partnerships that support Leave No Trace.  The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is one such partner.  The ATC is a nonprofit who's mission is "to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail – ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come."

LEAVE NO TRACE VISITS APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY MASTER EDUCATOR COURSE

The Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers recently had the opportunity to spend some time with the newest group of Leave No Trace Master Educators taught by the ATC near Damascus, Virginia.  The excited group of twelve hailed from China, the United Kingdom and all over the United States.  The group had a variety of goals to practice Leave No Trace in their respective communities with plans of action after their course ranging from involving local schools and parks to reaching out to international governments to teach Leave No Trace.  After five days in the woods with their trainers the group set up a booth at the busiest trailhead in Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia to do some Leave No Trace outreach.  The group raised the awareness of all those who passed by what Leave No Trace was and how they to could Leave No Trace while enjoying the outdoors. 

WHAT IS A LEAVE NO TRACE MASTER EDUCATOR COURSE?

A Master Educator Course is typically five days in length and designed for people who are actively teaching backcountry skills or providing recreation information to the public. As of January 2016, there were over 7,245 Leave No Trace Master Educators worldwide, representing 28 countries and the 50 United States. This invaluable training is recognized and highly regarded throughout the world, especially by the outdoor industry, as well as land management agencies. The profile of our graduates is extremely varied; from outdoor retail executives, school teachers, US Forest Service and National Park Service backcountry rangers, to scout leaders, college outing club members, outfitters and guides.

Successful graduates of the Master Educator course have the ability to train others in Leave No Trace skills and ethics. Master Educators can conduct Leave No Trace Trainer courses (two-day) and Awareness Workshops (one-day or shorter).
Each course is staffed with a minimum of two highly experienced outdoor professionals who are Master Educator Instructors. You will learn Leave No Trace techniques through skits, discussions, and hands-on activities. To practice Leave No Trace teaching strategies in a supportive, educational environment, each participant will teach a short session focused on the seven Leave No Trace principles.

BECOME A LEAVE NO TRACE MASTER EDUCATOR

Master Educator Courses are available through one of the Center's official Course Providers. Please visit the calendar to see scheduled courses and enroll.

PARTNER WITH LEAVE NO TRACE

Join or renew your annual partnership to continue Leave No Trace education each year.

Travel Well,

Amanda and Greg – Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Team East Central

Leave No Trace’s Amanda Neiman and Greg Smith are part of the 2016 Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Program that provides free, mobile education to communities across the country. Proud partners of this program include Subaru of America, REI, Fjall Raven, ENO, Deuter, Thule, and SmartWool.