Adirondack Mountain Club

Lake Placid, NY -- Over Memorial Day weekend, we had the pleasure of working with program partner the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks. Over the course of five days we interacted with hundreds of visitors and ADK staff and even managed to squeeze in over 30 miles of hiking. There were countless of opportunities to talk about Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces since the trails were quite muddy from all the rain this region has been getting over the spring. When it's muddy we encourage people to hike down the middle of the trail to avoid widening the trail and contributing to erosion. It was great to see so many people enjoying themselves, and getting muddy, in the mountains!

All the best,

Agata and Jason

Where Will Your Chacos Take You This Summer?

Depending on where you live, there is nothing quite like reconnecting with your Chaco sandals after the hiatus that is winter. Recently, we had the opportunity to spend time connecting with nature on Willipa Bay, WA. During our time there, we observed a bald eagle perched on driftwood, witnessed a black bear rolling around in the sea grass, and were even able to harvest oysters as the tide rolled out! It is a rare experience that we forage for our own food, so undoubtedly our hard work enhanced the flavor of each and every oyster. There is something special about being part of the cycle that brings food to your own table. That escapade was all the more enjoyable with the knowledge that our feet would be well protected because our Chacos would be the main contact with the mysterious sludge that lie beneath our feet. Oh what a day!

Where will your Chacos take you this summer?

Explore Responsibly…Kate and Tracy

Gettin' Crazy with Crazy Creek!

Red Loge, MT. On this glorious Memorial Day weekend, we trust that responsible recreation is taking place all across the country. Team West will be enjoying all of the splendor that beautiful Montana has to offer. The snowfall persists in this region as Beartooth Pass is expected to see one to two feet of fresh powder this weekend! As a result, Bear Tooth Pass will not officially be opening as scheduled. This fact, however, will not stop the celebration that is slated to occur tomorrow from 11 a.m. -3 p.m. at Crazy Creek in Red Lodge, MT. Crazy Creek, a long time supporter of the Leave No Trace program, will have the BBQ fired up, be raffling away prizes, and of course we will be on hand to provide Leave No Trace outreach. Please stop by and join in on the fun if you are in the area. Rumor has it that Bigfoot will be on hand to participate in the festivities.

If your recreating has you enjoying the outdoors in a different region of the country, not to worry- you can still get in on the Crazy Creek action. Crazy Creek is this month's sponsor for the Bigfoot Challenge. Take a few minutes to enter by the end of this weekend and you could potentially win sweet gear from Crazy Creek! It's simple, click here to get yourself entered, it is fast and free! Happy Memorial Day.

Explore Responsibly...Kate and Tracy

Picture of the Week 5/27/11

A view of the Presidential Range from the Imp Trail. White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

White Mountain Day

Camp Dodge, New Hampshire--Earlier this week we had the chance to work alongside two Leave No Trace partners, the National Forest Service and the Appalachian Mountain Club, in preparation for the upcoming 2011 summer season in the White Mountains. The views of the Presidential Range from the training were a little distracting, but the trail crews, backcountry hut staff, and volunteer program guides were stoked to discuss their experiences teaching Leave No Trace in the field. The audience asked great questions about how to introduce the ethics of responsible outdoor recreation with the thousands of visitors they will talk to this season over the course of the day's sessions.

Thanks to Alex Delucia for the invitation to visit with the crews and enjoy the company of so many great friends and supporters of Leave No Trace!

All the best,

Jason and Agata

Need a FREE Leave No Trace Activity for Kids?

As Traveling Trainers, we understand the importance of consistently having kids actively engaged in our workshops. By having kids saying, hearing, seeing, and doing, the retention rate of the information will be much higher.

Since 2001, Leave No Trace has been in a partnership with REI to present our youth program called PEAK, Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids, which currently reaches 120,000 youth annually. The program is presented as a “pack” of six activities. Additional activities, a Teen program and materials in Spanish are also available on our on-line store. The PEAK program can be purchased from the Center or is available through the “Packing with PEAK” grant. You could also contact your local State Advocate or REI store to inquire about borrowing a PEAK Pack. Why not try out one of the sample activities available free of cost, which is available on our website. Click here for more information.

As the weather gets warmer, challenge your children or students to a round of Okay or No Way! This activity represents a win-win situation for parents and elementary school teachers. First, the game acts as a catalyst to introducing youth to the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Second, this activity will get your students running around outside to expel some of their end of the school year energy!

Explore Responsibly...Kate and Tracy

Picture of the Week 5/20/11

Taughannock Falls State Park, New York.