Campus Connection

Learn to 'Leave No Trace" in the outdoors through free program at UWL

Anyone interested in learning strategies to enjoy the outdoors while having less impact on the environment can attend a free program at UWL. The Leave No Trace program runs from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, and Thursday, Sept. 8, at UW-La Crosse’s Recreational Eagle Center. No RSVP is necessary. Traveling trainers Amanda Neiman and Greg Smith, with Subaru/Leave No Trace, will share best practices for recreating in outdoor natural resources in a way that leaves them unimpaired and available for future generations to enjoy. This program is geared toward people of all ages, as well as new and experienced outdoor recreationists. “This program is nationally recognized and the traveling trainers, in particular, are highly sought after to conduct programs,” says Laurie Harmon, associate professor of Recreation Management and Therapeutic Recreation. During their visit, the trainers will also engage UWL students through two additional programs Wednesday, Sept. 7. They will speak to the Outdoor Living & Learning Community, a residential community in UWL’s Eagle Hall, as well as Harmon’s class “Environmental Ethics, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources.” Harmon calls students’ engagement with these professionals a critical component of her course. [caption id="attachment_46592" align="alignnone" width="685"] Students in REC 306 (Environmental Ethics, Outdoor Recreation & Natural Resources) participate in a class activity in fall semester 2015. Most students in the course are in UWL’s Recreation Management and Therapeutic Recreation program either as a major or minor.[/caption] “It allows students to directly question the rationale for current best practices, build outdoor program delivery skills and reinforce their learning through practice with professionals,” she says. “The trainers also have a great deal of experience nationally, which they share with our students, allowing them to learn strategies well beyond the boundaries of the Wisconsin region.” UWL is an educational partner with Leave No Trace. Learn more about the organization at www.lnt.org. If you go— What: Leave No Trace program Where: UWL Recreational Eagle Center When: 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, and Thursday, Sept. 8 Admission: Free