Setting the Stage A MESSAGE FROM BOARD CHAIR JULIE KLEIN
WHAT A YEAR! In 2018, the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics reached new milestones and set the stage for an incredible 25th anniversary celebration in 2019. Every Leave No Trace enthusiast should be aware of the exciting developments that occurred in 2018. The Center continued its strong partnerships with the National Park Service and Subaru of America by extending its research into the National Park Zero Landfill Initiative. An inspiring study demonstrated that a 30-minute lesson in Leave No Trace can change kids’ sense of connection to nature and their likelihood to protect it. The Center also ramped up its work with citizen science to further empower visitors to urban and rural parks and protected areas. Leveraging the power of social media, the Center offered guidance on how to responsibly share outdoor experiences and natural areas — important work in a year that saw highprofile media outlets covering the heavy impacts of recreation. As the temporary shutdowns in federal land-management agencies revealed, the need to educate people about how to protect and preserve natural places has never been more needed than it is today. In 2019, as the Center celebrates its 25th anniversary, it’s imperative to remember that each year builds on the successes of previous efforts. In this report we are delighted to acknowledge our amazing network of partners, members and other advocates. The Center’s overarching initiatives — Leave No Trace in Every Park and Leave No Trace for Every Kid — are both necessary and daunting. If we can continue notching successes like we did in 2018 we will be well on our way to protecting natural places and inspiring tomorrow’s committed naturalists. Thank you for everything you do to continue the journey that we are on together! Best Regards,
Julie Klein Chair of the Board
2018 ACHIEVEMENTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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