Burning Man Earth Guardian Training Courses

The Leave No Trace (LNT) Trainer Course consists of a 2-day course held in one of the new Wilderness Areas in the Black Rock Desert/High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area. There is no charge for this training - it is sponsored by Burning Man.

On completion of this class you will receive a certificate as a LNT trainer. Your mission, upon completion, will be to teach Leave No Trace to organizations back in your Burning Man communities. There will be a limited very number of attendees. Please sign up for the course only if you are sure that you will attend.

1. AGENDA

a. About two weeks before the event, each participant will receive an information packet in the mail. In addition to what-to-bring list, general information, etc., the participant will receive an assignment for a Leave No Trace principle and will get some information on the principle. You will be expected to present your topic to the other class members sometime during the two days.

b. We will make introductions around and view a short LNT video before driving to the trailhead. We will go on a 2-day backpack over an approximate 5-mile loop route, starting and ending at our vehicles.

c. There may be more than one hiking group, each led by a Leave No Trace Master and Trainers. Each group will hike and conduct presentations separately on Saturday. We will have a rendezvous spot for camping and continuation of classes.

d. If you want to bring your kids along, that's fine - they can help you present your class. If they are a young teen or older, they should be assigned their own topic, but they will stay in your group under your supervision. Either way - you need to notify us that they are coming.

2. TOPIC PREPARATION AND PRESENTATION

a. Along the hike route, each of you will present a class or activity on part or all of a Leave No Trace Principle (7 Principles). Group activities or hands-on exercises are urged. Your presentation can be oriented toward juveniles or adults, depending on types of audiences you anticipate for your future training.

b. After each presentation the other students and trainers will evaluate and discuss the presentation, to include your method of presentation or instruction. We will then get up and move on. Creativity is a byword here, and your class will demonstrate some very creative methods and techniques that we can all use in future classes. Each person is assigned a topic. Packets have some study materials. However, you should consider researching other source of information or using your own experiences to develop material for your presentation

c. Other references to help you will be activities found in such programs as Project Wild or Project Learning Tree. U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State game and fish and State parks people are also good sources.

d. Here are some web sites that have helpful information:

www.lnt.org www.dnr.state.wi.us/eek (Click on Teachers pages)
http://www.burningman.com/preparation/
www.plt.org (Click on Resources, then Internet Sources, then the ee-link)
Burning Man LNT Techniques
www.treadlightly.org

e. In addition to your class preparation materials, everyone must thoroughly read the booklet Leave No Trace Outdoor Skills and Ethics: Desert and Canyon Country, which will be in your packet.

f. Be prepared to give your presentation at any time. There's two ways we'll approach who gives what when. We will be walking along and see something that illustrates a principle and one of the trainers will say, "Okay, here's an example of xxx principle, so-and-so how about giving us some training on this subject. Or, if you spot something that is a feature of your class, you can gather us all around: "Here is xxx that illustrates xxx and go into it.

g. Your presentation is based on part or all of a Leave No Trace Principle. Assignments will be sent with your study packet and may be sufficient for your presentation. However, don't stop there. Decide how you want to give the class - it may be a demonstration (trainers may carry some things some of you can use), a group activity or a lecture to illustrate the principle. Be creative - but be aware - props either come from your pack or nature or are your students themselves. Once you give your class, from that point onward, you join the trainers to monitor the rest of the class while walking or in camp to see how we are following the principles. At the end of each class we'll take a few moments to discuss how things are going. Don't forget to evaluate your students (which includes the trainers) on what we've learned.

h. If you have never given a class before, rehearse your presentation to your spouse and/or kids or a small group of friends. When you come before us, we're friends, too. We're also probably dumb as rocks, and you have information that we can't live without!!!

3. EQUIPMENT AND PREPARATION

a. You must Come Prepared for a 2-day Backpack Trip.

b. The cost involved in the class is bringing your own transportation, gear, and food. Transportation to and from the trailhead will be provided.

c. For the class, your pack should have the basics: sleeping bag or poncho liners, tent (you might check the class list and anyone you know, you might make buddy arrangements to share tents and divide weight), sleeping pad, backpack stove or fire pan (again, two or four can share one), food and water, first aid kits (can share). If you haven't shouldered a backpack for awhile, it is recommended that you put one together and do a couple hikes between now and then to re-familiarize and condition yourself.

d. Bring at least one gallon of water (8 pounds). We will have additional water on hand. This is only an overnight/2-day backpack so do not overload yourself.

e. Broad brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, long sleeve T-shirts, light-weight pants are items that protect skin and hold in body moisture. Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring insect repellent.

4. AFTER COURSE COMPLETION

After training, your task is to go to Burning Man communities (e.g. a theme camp or a volunteer group) to help them understand and apply Leave No Trace principals and practices. You could accomplish this by setting up meetings to talk about LNT or by developing LNT guidance materials (e.g. Tips or posters) to educate these residents of Black Rock city about Leave No Trace. You may want to develop an art project that would inspire folks to better appreciate the Black Rock Desert or you may just want to work with your own fellow campers to ensure that you will Leave No Trace at Burning Man. You could also check with your local public agencies (e.g. Forest Service or BLM) and let them know you are a trained LNT trainer and want to help on National Public Lands Day, or National Trails Day, June 6, or Earth Day. You could also talk to local schools to find if theyíd like your help teaching the LNT Principals to an outdoor environmental class.

Summary of Training Events

April 26 - (Sat) - Earth Day Workshops - Hosted by the Friends of Black Rock / High Rock

* Learn about : Road Restoration / Weed Identification / Leave No Traces
* Send email for questions about this trip

May 10&11 - (Sat and Sun)
LNT BACKPACKING TRIP near Black Rock Desert <=== see pictures from the 2002 and 2003 trips.

* "Teach the Teachers" Training Session
* Send email for questions about this trip

May 12-16 - (Mon - Friday)
LNT Master's Training in Black Rock Desert <=== see pictures from 2002 trip.

* Hosted by BLM and NOLS (limited size and $ involved)
* For information: http://www.nols.edu/courses/find/lntmasters.shtml

June 21&22 - (Sat and Sun)
BLM VOLUNTEER TRAINING near Black Rock Desert

* 1st Aid/CPR, GPS, Map Reading, ATV Operation
* Send email for questions about this trip

Picture below from previous LNT Back Packing Trip