Welcome Jason and Agata

As we get ready to welcome in the new year, we also would like to welcome in the newest Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer team, Jason and Agata Ketterick!  We had the opportunity to meet them in MA for lunch and chat about life on the road.  Starting off as Team West, the two are eager to hit the road and begin their adventure.  We look forward to meeting up with them again in Boulder, CO at the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics as we prepare for the 2010 season.  We wish everyone a happy and healthy new year.  See you all in 2010!

Safe travels...Kate and Tracy

Why Leave No Trace?

The Leave No Trace concept is one that crosses all boundaries of the recreation spectrum and is applicable for anyone who enjoys spending time in the out-of-doors. The idea is simple – leave the places you enjoy as good or better than you found them. There are both skills and ethics involved, as well as good decision-making. We believe that if people do something, even something simple, to help take care of the recreational resources they cherish, we will all benefit. Cleaner water, less campfire impacts, fewer negative encounters with wildlife, less damage/loss of cultural and historic artifacts are just a few of the benefits of adhering to Leave No Trace.

Leave No Trace is a universal philosophy that could and should be part of any outdoor experience. The very nature of Leave No Trace lends itself well to fostering a cooperative spirit of stewardship. From federal land management agencies to outdoor equipment manufacturers to NGOs to outfitter and guide services to local governments to individuals, Leave No Trace is the common denominator that leads us all towards the common goal of enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Safe travels...Kate and Tracy

A glimpse into the 2009 Traveling Trainer tour

Have you ever wondered what the Traveling Trainers' atlas looks like at the end of a season?  Here are photos of the 2009 season:

Kate and Tracy's travels in 2009

JD and Emily's travels in 2009

Be on the lookout for the Traveling Trainers as they hit the road again in January 2010!

Safe travels...Kate and Tracy

Heading East...

We are back on the road again...but just for a short trip!  Although we are in the off season, we are heading east to Massachusetts for the holidays and to connect with the newest Traveling Trainer team, Jason and Agata Ketterick!  We are looking forward to meeting up with them as they start their season off in January.

Since it is the off season, we are busy, busy, busy working on the 2010 schedule.  Have you put in your request for 2010?  This is a great opportunity to have a team visit and provide FREE outreach!  Putting in a request is simple- just click HERE or go to http://www.lnt.org/programs/travelingtrainers   Then just fill out the form for either Team East or Team West and click submit!  It's that easy!!  

We look forward to meeting you in 2010.  

Safe travels...Kate and Tracy

Picture of the week

**Let it snow!**Let it snow!**Let it snow!**

Stick To The Trail, Even When It's Muddy!

There are a number of reasons why it is important to travel on durable surfaces and stick to the trail, in areas where there is an established trail.  You want to travel on the trail even when you come to a puddle in the middle of the trail.  Here are some of these reasons why Leave No Trace recommends this practice: (from www.lnt.org)

*Concentrating travel on trails reduces the likelihood that multiple routes will develop and scar the landscape.

*It is better to have one well-designed route than many poorly chosen paths.

*Trail use is recommended whenever possible.  Encourage travelers to stay within the width of the trail and not short cut trail switchbacks (trail zigzags that climb hill sides).

*In winter conditions, stay on deep snow cover whenever possible; in muddy spring conditions, stay on snow or walk in the middle of the trail to avoid creating new trails and damaging trailside plants.

*If you are in desert environments, however, avoid traveling through puddles, as water is such a finite resource in these areas!

So, as you get outdoors this winter, remember to travel and camp on durable surfaces!

Safe travels...Kate and Tracy