Educational Model and the Role and Function of Educators

Presentation Objectives  Review how education can lead to the adoption of low impact behaviors.  Describe the Leave No Trace educational training model.  Describe the role and function of the Leave No Trace Education Review Committee.  Describe some of the core Leave No Trace educational programs.

Leave No Trace: Organizational Focus Educate, Connect, Protect :  We educate people about minimum impact skills and responsible outdoor recreation.  We connect people to their natural world so that they care about its future health.  We protect ecosystems by creating lifelong outdoor stewards.

A Classification of Visitor Actions that Cause Impact  Careless – picking wildflowers  Unskilled – firewood gathering & campfire building  Uninformed – feeding wildlife  Unavoidable – trampling along a trail  Illegal – theft of cultural artifacts Which actions can education address?

Exposure Visitor is exposed to an educational message Attention Visitor processes the message Comprehension Message is understood Yielding Visitor accepts the message and changes their attitude Retention Visitor retains the message and attitude Behavior Visitor behaves in accordance with changed attitude Avoidance/Reduction of Impacts Resource or experiential impacts are avoided or reduced McQuire’sModel of Persuasion McQuire’s Model of Persuasion The educational process for altering behavior

Leave No Trace: Core Values  LNT is founded on outdoor ethics whereby a sense of stewardship is gained through understanding and connecting with the natural world.  Practicing the Leave No Trace principles is the most relevant and effective long-term solution to maintaining the beauty, health of, and access to natural lands.  LNT is science-based and builds ethical, pragmatic approaches to resource protection.

Leave No Trace Research Recreation Ecology research tells us about recreation impacts and how they can be minimized by managers and visitors. Social science research tells us about visitor perceptions and behaviors.

Education Review Committee  The Education Review Committee (ERC) is a standing committee of the LNT Board of Directors.  The ERC develops, reviews and revises educational materials, training programs and curriculum.  The ERC ensures that all educational materials are consistently and effectively presented, and are based on the best research and outdoor experience.

ERC Membership  ERC membership is comprised of representatives from federal, state, and local land management agencies, the Center, outdoor education organizations, and scientists.  The ERC brings together a mix of differing perspectives, expertise and experience to develop and refine the best available low impact and educational practices.

Use, Alteration, & Development of Leave No Trace Materials  The ERC reviews new and existing educational material for accuracy and consistency.  The ERC provides a peer-review process for deviations or revisions of previously approved low impact practices or messaging.

LNT Training Model Master Educator Course An intensive 5-day field-oriented course offered by one of the Center’s approved course providers. Trainer Course A 2-day field course taught by Master Educators. Awareness Workshop A 30 min to full-day introductory workshop for the general public. Tiered Training Structure

Current Status: Training Organizations The following organizations have been authorized to teach the Leave No Trace Master Educator course:  National Outdoor Leadership School  Appalachian Mountain Club  Landmark Learning  Wilderness Educational Association  USFS Ninemile Wildlands Training Center  Boy Scouts of America  Adirondack Mountain Club

Frontcountry Program  Frontcountry is defined as outdoor areas that are easily accessible by vehicle and mostly visited by day users.  The Center is working with partners across the U.S. to develop frontcountry programs that help protect these resources and reach the increasing number of individuals recreating in these areas.

Frontcountry Program Roots  Approximately 85% of outdoor visits occur near urban centers: day hiking, biking, picnicking, skateboarding, fishing, running, dog, walking, car camping, etc.  Land managers need the ability to tailor specific Leave No Trace information to more effectively reach frontcountry audiences.

Frontcountry Impacts  Pet waste & management  Crowding & user group conflicts  Trespassing, off-trail hiking  Trash, graffiti, vandalism

Traveling Trainer Program Subaru provides support and vehicles for the Traveling Trainer Program. Traveling Trainers are teams of field educators who provide Leave No Trace outreach and education to diverse audiences across the country. Beginning in 1999, this partnership has allowed the Center to reach millions of individuals each year.

PEAK: Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids  The program is presented as a “pack” of six activities. Additional activities, a Teen program and materials in Spanish are also available.  The PEAK program can be purchased or borrowed from the Center or is available through the “Packing with PEAK” grant.  PEAK educates youth ages about Leave No Trace through hands-on activities. PEAK began as a partnership program between the Center for Outdoor Ethics and REI in 2001.

Leave No Trace e-tour  The e-tour is a partnership program between the Center and Coleman Outdoor Products.  The e-tour brings hands-on demonstrations, interactive activities and LNT education to retail stores, camps and youth- serving organizations.  The e-tour inspires youth to get outside while promoting Leave No Trace practices. The program focuses heavily on frontcountry recreation.

State Advocate Program  More than 45 states have Leave No Trace State Advocates.  These volunteers coordinate and conduct training, outreach and education for the public.  Advocates receive training, materials and financial support from the Center.  Tens of thousands are reached annually through the State Advocate program.

BSA Council Outdoor Ethics Advocates  Serves as the local council’s point person for facilitating Leave No Trace training and ethics for youth and adults.  Coordinates with council committees (Training, Camping, Conservation, Program).  Responsibilities: Training (developing instructor corp, organizing courses), Recruiting (youth/adults for courses), Program Promotion (lead promotional efforts), Reporting (to Council and National).

International Programs The Center has international branch organizations in Canada, Ireland and Australia and dozens of partner organizations, agencies and educational institutions around the world. Center staff offer courses and other training options to the international community.

Leave No Trace Success Stories  Leave No Trace reaches an estimated 10 million outdoor visitors each year.  More than 400 organizations have partnered with the Center to support Leave No Trace education and outreach.  Many educational materials are translated into Spanish to provide tools for educators working with the rapidly growing Spanish speaking population visiting public lands.  Connect Grants for Culturally-Diverse Communities have enabled the Center to provide educational resources and scholarship funds to organizations working with multicultural populations.