About
Leave No Trace Trainer
Protecting wild places begins with education and leadership. In this course, you’ll learn how to apply and teach the principles of Leave No Trace in real outdoor settings. Through hands-on practice and discussion, students develop the skills needed to minimize environmental impact while helping others understand responsible recreation.
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This Leave No Trace Trainer course is part of the WEOL program and is designed for outdoor enthusiasts, educators, and leaders who want to promote stewardship in the backcountry. Whether you guide trips, work in outdoor education, or simply want to deepen your knowledge of sustainable travel, this course will prepare you to confidently teach Leave No Trace principles and help protect the places we explore.
Students begin by learning the core principles of Leave No Trace and the philosophy of responsible outdoor recreation. From there, the course focuses on how to effectively communicate and teach these principles to others in real outdoor settings. Through discussion, hands-on practice, and applied teaching scenarios, students build confidence in both their environmental stewardship and leadership skills. By the end of the course, participants are prepared to share Leave No Trace practices with others and help promote responsible recreation in the places they explore.
We meet students where they are. Each level builds on the last.
Course Format & Time Commitment
This course combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning in outdoor environments. Students explore the principles of Leave No Trace while practicing how to apply and teach them in real-world recreation settings. Through guided activities, discussion, and practical scenarios, participants build the knowledge and confidence needed to promote responsible outdoor travel and environmental stewardship.
Course length: 3 days​
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Backpacking Section: 2 days (1 overnight)​
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What to Expect
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A mix of classroom learning and hands-on practice in outdoor settings
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In-depth exploration of the Leave No Trace Seven Principles and how they apply to different environments
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Practice teaching and communicating Leave No Trace concepts to others
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Real-world scenarios that explore common recreation impacts and how to minimize them
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Opportunities to build leadership and stewardship skills while promoting responsible outdoor travel
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Daily schedules, meeting locations, total instructional hours, and trip-specific details are provided with each course offering.
These courses are hands-on and field-based. You won’t just talk about skills you’ll be able practice them in real time.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll build practical backcountry skills including:
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Understanding and applying the Leave No Trace Seven Principles in different outdoor environments
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Identifying common recreation impacts and strategies to minimize them
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Teaching Leave No Trace concepts clearly and effectively to others
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Promoting responsible decision-making in backcountry and frontcountry settings
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Evaluating campsites, travel routes, and recreation practices through a low-impact lens
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Leading discussions about environmental stewardship and sustainable outdoor recreation
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Communicating best practices for protecting natural and cultural resources
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Building confidence as a steward and educator in outdoor spaces
Course Fees & What You'll Get
Approximate Costs:
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CA Residents = $46.50
Non-CA Residents = $460.50​
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Additional Course Fees:
None
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When you enroll in a Leave No Trace Trainer course, you’re getting more than instruction time.
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Materials You'll Receive:​​​
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WEOL Chapstick
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WEOL Mini Sunscreen
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Mini Hand Sanitizer
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Rite in the Rain Notebook & Mini Pencil
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LNT Student Packet
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WAG Bag
Transportation & Logistics
When the course includes field activities and the overnight portion, WEOL provides transportation to trailheads and field sites whenever possible. Our vehicles safely shuttle students and gear, helping reduce congestion and minimize impact on recreation areas.
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This allows you to focus on learning, practicing Leave No Trace principles, and experiencing the outdoors while we handle the logistics. Whether it’s a day session or the overnight field experience, transportation is included to keep your experience smooth, safe, and environmentally responsible.
Nature
Lovers
Who it’s for
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Outdoor Educators
Mountain Climbers
Weekend Adventurers
You & Your Backcountry Partner
Meet Your Instructor
Name: Jessica Riconscente (she/her)
Favorite Outdoor Activities: Anything I can bring my dog along for! Mountain biking, backcountry skiing, climbing, and SUPing, to name a few.
Favorite Outdoor Piece of Gear: Trowel! You never know when you've got to go, so I always have one on me to properly dispose of waste (Leave No Trace Principle 3 😉)
Favorite Outdoor Meal: Charcuterie spread, that way you get a little of everything.
Advisory​
This course will require participation in an easy overnight backpacking field trip.
Prerequisites
& Advisories
FAQ
1. Do I need prior Leave No Trace experience to take this course?
No prior certification is required. This course will teach the principles and provide the training needed to become a Leave No Trace Trainer.
2. Will I receive a Leave No Trace certification?
Yes. Upon successful completion of the course requirements, participants will earn a Leave No Trace Trainer certification, allowing them to teach and share the principles with others.
3. Is there an overnight component to the course?
Yes. The course includes an overnight field experience where students practice applying Leave No Trace principles in a real outdoor setting.
4. What should I bring for the overnight portion?
Students should bring appropriate outdoor clothing, personal camping gear, and any required equipment. A detailed packing list will be provided before the course begins.
5. Who is this course designed for?
This course is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, guides, educators, and anyone interested in promoting responsible recreation and environmental stewardship.
Become a Steward of the Outdoors
Learn how to protect the places you love and help others do the same. Enroll in the Leave No Trace Trainer Course and gain the knowledge and confidence to lead by example in the outdoors.