Connect Grant Recipient: School of the Arts

Tracy explains the rules of Minimum Impact Match

San Francisco, CA. Leave No Trace offers three different Grants that award opportunities for organizations or individuals to receive FREE educational materials. Leave No Trace also offers a fourth grant, in the form of a scholarship, that provides partial course tuition towards a 5 day Master Educator course. For more information on the grants and scholarship programs, CLICK HERE.

The Center's hope is that these grants will encourage people to bring Leave No Trace into their communities. Please consider applying today!

One of the grants, called Connect Grant, is designed to provide direct support and training for organizations and people that serve culturally diverse communities. The Center for Outdoor Ethics recently awarded a Connect Grant to the San Francisco School of the Arts. This high school is expanding its environmental sustainability program, which includes a 4 day trip to Yosemite National Park in the spring. We were able to chat with students that are attending the trip and provide insight on the importance of practicing Leave No Trace on their outing. For most of these students, this will be their first time camping and their only experience in a wilderness area. Their teacher, Andy Padlo, has been educating his students about Leave No Trace by utilizing the education materials he received through the Connect Grant. As Traveling Trainers, it is rewarding for us to work with the community leaders that are passionate about connecting people, youth especially, with the natural world. We commend Mr. Padlo and the enthusiasm with which he shares his passion about the outdoors with his students. Have so much fun on your trip!

Explore Responsibly...Kate & Tracy

Connect Grant Recipient Visit in New Orleans

This week we had to pleasure of visiting one of the Center's Connect Grant recipient Claire Triplett, from the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD). Claire works with hundreds of youth from underprivileged areas in the city throughout the year. As summer promises to be a busy season in the Big Easy, Claire is taking full advantage of being a Connect Grant recipient. She has already taught numerous awareness workshops for NORD staff and youth and is looking forward to hosting a trainer course this fall. Great job Claire, keep up the good work down in N'awlins!

Happy Adventuring...Kate and Tracy

On the road again...

Greetings from Team West, the newest Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Team, Kate Bullock and Tracy Howard. Some of you may recognize us, as we were the 2008 Leave No Trace E-tour team sponsored by Coleman Outdoor Product.

Excitement is in the air as we got this season off to a rip roarin’ start with two very successful events this week. To get us “into the mood,” we mingled with the Camping Singles crew from the Denver, CO area. The Camping Singles is a group of Colorado single adults who enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, biking, sightseeing, photography, the camaraderie of others, starry nights around the camp fire, memorable pot lucks, boating, rafting, hot springs, hay rides, etc.

Next stop…Adams State College in Alamosa, CO. Nestled in the San Luis Valley, the Adventure Program welcomed us with open arms. We worked with a group of student and staff leaders that organize outdoor trips. As a Connect Grant recipient, Adams State is working towards providing outreach to local youth serving organizations in southern Colorado. A special thanks goes out to Mick Daniels for his hospitality and efforts to spread awareness of Leave No Trace.

Stay tuned to see where the road takes Team West!

Safe Travels…Kate and Tracy