Learn.Network.Together.               
Leave No Trace eNews                             August 2009
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Disappearing Act

Hairy mammoths are on the brain this summer as we launch the Bigfoot Challenge, activating people to learn and teach Leave No Trace. The Bigfoot icon is an elusive, mythical creature and a perfect model for Leave No Trace - he does not leave evidence of his passing through the wild. This Challenge is for you, so read "Take the Bigfoot Challenge" below.

In other topics, learn how close is too close when a you notice a deer admiring you on your hike, and find out how you can be the recipient of those elusive, free materials from Leave No Trace. As the dog days of summer disappear, we thank you, as always, for your work, support and advocacy on behalf of Leave No Trace.

Susy Alkaitis
Deputy Director
Bigfoot Challenge
logoHelp us celebrate education in motion by taking the Bigfoot Challenge this year! 

By visiting www.lnt.org/bigfootchallenge or catching up with the Traveling Trainers at an event this summer, you have a chance to take part in the Leave No Trace Bigfoot Challenge.

By participating in the challenge, you're not only entered to win some great outdoor prizes from our partners, but you will help us continue Leaving No Trace just like Bigfoot has been doing for years!

 
eNews You Can Use

educational materialsDear Education Department,

I'd like to request free materials for my organization/ event.  How do I do this?

Signed,
Thrifty Educator

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Dear Thrifty Educator,

While there are many excellent FREE resources on the Leave No Trace website, the Center does have grant programs through which individuals and organizations can apply for free educational materials. For most requests, the Center requires that you to submit a written proposal or complete an online grant application. The Center currently has four grant programs:
  1. Tools for Teaching
  2. Packing with PEAK
  3. Connect Grants for Culturally-Diverse Communities
  4. Master Educator Scholarship
Eligibility requirements and deadlines vary for each program so be sure to review the Grants and Scholarships page. Grants are set up to award Leave No Trace educational materials and training. Generally, we are unable to award promotional items such as shirts, hats and mugs, nor does the Center award cash grants.

Please note: Through both our Individual Membership and Partnership programs, members receive a 10% discount educational materials as well as preference when scheduling events with our Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer teams.

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Get your questions answered! 
Have a question for the Education Department?  Email [email protected] and you could be featured in next month's Learn.Network.Together!
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Notice on Trainer Course Waivers
 Attention Leave No Trace Master Educators!!
Per the National Leave No Trace Training Guidelines, every Leave No Trace Trainer Course participant is required to sign the Course Participant Acknowledgement, Assumption of Risks, Release and Indemnity Agreement.

If Trainer Course participants are minors, the Agreement must be signed by a parent or legal guardian (All Trainer Course participants can sign one single Agreement rather than individual Agreements but every participant or guardian must sign).

Signed agreements can be mailed, faxed or scanned and emailed to the Center upon course completion.

The most up-to-date agreements are available to download on the web. For more information, please contact Sarah Folzenlogen or Ben Lawhon.
 
Partner Highlight
AEE InviteVive l'experience!

As a long-time nonprofit partner of Leave No Trace, the Association on Experiential Education (AEE) is dedicated to the development and promotion of experiential education - a philosophy and methodology in which educators purposefully engage with learners in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills and clarify values.  

The AEE Annual International Conference is a time for unparalleled professional development and renewal. This year's conference marks the 37th Annual International Conference, and it's in Montreal!  Join more than 900 experiential educators from around the world in unsurpassed networking, professional development, continuing education, and community building, with workshops, internationally recognized presenters, an exhibit hall, and world class entertainment.

Here's what others are saying about AEE Conferences:

AEE Conferences help to fuel my passion for teaching
because I learn innovative and exciting teaching techniques.

- Tom Potter, Lakehead University

My first conference was in 1977. Since then AEE has been
a constant source of energy, information, support, professional opportunity,
and an awesome network of friends and colleagues. It is my yearly fix!

- Jude Hirsch, Professor and Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Georgia College & State University and a proud Canadian

"The caliber of professionals in the field to network with and as presenters
is the highest I've seen anywhere. Three days at an AEE Conference
is like a week of personal coaching from the best in the business."

- Rick Curtis, Outdoored.com, November 2007

Professor Mario Bilodeau lives life large, having climbed some of the world's tallest peaks, including Everest twice! He also believes in the healing powers of Mother Nature, organizing expeditions for youth with cancer. Learn more about Bilodeau, one of this year's Conference Keynote Speakers.

Click Here for a List of Workshops and a Schedule Of Events.
My Backyard
TT LogoWe Want Your Opinion!


The year 2009 marks the 10th Anniversary of the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer program. In celebration of a decade of spreading Leave No Trace outreach, the Center for Outdoor Ethics is conducting a survey to gauge the accomplishments of the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer program.

If you have had an interaction with the Traveling Trainers over the past 10 years, we encourage you to take 5-10 minutes to give us your feedback.  You can easily access and complete this survey online.

To thank you for taking the time to complete the survey, we will enter your name into a raffle to earn some free Leave No Trace items!
Road Wisdom
Contributed by Emily Ressler and JD Tanner
Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Team


bearsHow close is too close?

Seeing a bear is on the top of many park visitors' lists.  Recently, we were in Grand Teton National Park and were lucky enough to see a grizzly bear turning over logs and rocks near one of the visitor center's parking areas.  It didn't take long for a crowd to gather, many within a few yards of the bear.  As people posed for pictures, we wondered if they would act differently had they met this bear on a remote trail, far from rangers, visitor centers, and the sense of security that comes from being part of a crowd. 

When discussing the Leave No Trace principle of Respect Wildlife, we often say that you can tell if you are too close to a wild animal if it changes it's behavior in any way.  This bear seemed pretty unconcerned with the crowd as he searched for tasty insects, although it did retreat into the safety of the woods pretty quickly.  Still, twenty-feet from a bear isn't much of a buffer zone when you take into consideration that the same bear can cover twice that distance in less than one second. 

Having a good set of binoculars and/or a camera with a zoom lens can make wildlife viewing more enjoyable, because you get to observe the animal in it's natural state.  Keeping a respectful distance from bears and other wild animals keeps both human and wildlife out of trouble.

See you on the road,
Emily & JD

activity guide on saleSale!

Activity Guide to Teaching Leave No Trace on sale!

A 72-page guide full of lesson plans and activities designed to help share the value and importance of the Leave No Trace principles with young and adults alike. Teaching materials include Background Information, Quick Concept activities, and Activity Plans.
 
Now 30% off through the end of August! Regularly $9.95 each.

Get yours today at the Leave No Trace online store!


Offer Expires: August 31st, 2009.

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