Leave No Trace Trainer Course

Beyond “pack it in, pack it out”

Aggressive camp jays, trampled alpine meadows, toilet paper flowers and spider-web approach trails – whether you enjoy popular day hikes or scramble to remote peaks, chances are you have observed many of the social and environmental impacts of careless recreation. We can all learn to make better decisions in the backcountry.

From bear hangs to blue bags - learn about techniques to lighten your recreational footprint and gain skills for teaching others the principles of low-impact recreation during The Mountaineers Leave No Trace Trainer course. Together, participants explore science-based research about recommended best practices and discuss the spectrum of personal comfort levels, ethics and philosophies that determine how individuals make choices for how to recreate in the backcountry.

The Leave No Trace Trainer course follows curriculum established by The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and covers the principles, mission, and ethics of Leave No Trace as well as information about the Trainer's role and techniques for educating others. Participants learn to effectively educate their friends, family, youth audiences and peers about Leave No Trace, as well as lead Awareness Workshops. As the second highest level of Leave No Trace training, course graduates earn the nationally-recognized title Leave No Trace Trainer and receive a certificate of completion.

Course participants will each present a 20-minute lesson on a Leave No Trace principle (assigned before course begins).  The course involves an easy backpack trip to Ancient Lakes in Eastern Washington.  Participants will be expected to furnish their own backpacking gear, snacks, and meals.

Contact Brian Carpenter (fleasgach@gmail.com) for more information or with questions.