While the pandemic leaves families facing the challenges of long days indoors and online schoolwork, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) is here to help! The TRTA’s Leave No Trace Education Program provides hands-on lessons to turn your home and backyard into your child’s classroom! The curriculum is centered on the seven Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles to inspire stewardship while providing kids the opportunity to earn their Leave No Trace Awareness certificate. This program aims to break down the barrier between online and outdoor learning while spreading wilderness ethics to young minds and future leaders.
The Seven Keys to Stewardship
Take a trek along the virtual Tahoe Rim Trail while following our LNT experts through the seven principles. Through a series of exercises and hands-on activities, develop an understanding of our impacts on the environment. Begin your journey to stewardship by clicking on the principles below to access each worksheet.
In other words, “Know before you go!” Whether you’re getting ready for a hike or practicing for a school music concert, this principle applies! Learn the resources to help you plan ahead and prepare for outdoor activities and discover the necessities to bring into the backcountry through a speedy scavenger hunt.
In other words, “Choose the right path!” Whether you are cycling through a city park or hiking along the Tahoe Rim Trail, this principle applies! Learn the negative impacts of taking the wrong path and discover durable surfaces in your home and neighborhood.
In other words, “Trash your trash!” Whether you are in boundless wilderness or a bustling city, this principle applies! Learn the proper disposal methods for your trash and find out how long waste lives on by building your own trash timeline.
In other words, “Leave it how you found it!” Whether you are at a beach covered in seashells or a garden with blooming beauties, this principle applies! Learn the negative impacts of taking natural elements out of nature and practice this principle while playing outdoor BINGO.
In other words, “Be careful with fire!” Whether you are having a campfire at your friend’s house or backpacking during a fire-ban, this principle applies! Learn alternatives for having a campfire and discover how to build an LNT-friendly fire in the comfort of your kitchen.
In other words, “Be nice to wildlife!” Whether you see a black bear in the forest or a squirrel in your backyard, this principle applies! Learn how to respect wildlife and discover a fun way to observe wild animals from a distance.
In other words, “Be kind to others”! Whether you pass by someone in the hallway at school or see a biker approaching on trail, this principle applies! Learn what you can do to show consideration for others in your community.
After learning the seven principles, you’ll understand how to minimize your footprint and why it’s important to protect the environment using LNT-ethics. And don’t be fooled… these ethics apply to more than just outdoor activities! Whether you live in the Tahoe Basin or a concrete jungle, you can apply the seven principles to school, sports, clubs, music lessons, or just about anything.
Take your stewardship efforts to the next level by becoming a valued member of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association! You will not only become a part of our awesome community, but your support will go towards our efforts to inspire stewardship in youth through other outdoor learning opportunities.
