# Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics > Leave No Trace is a national nonprofit that protects the outdoors through science-based education. We are the organization behind the Leave No Trace 7 Principles, the standard framework for responsible outdoor recreation in the United States. We do not manage land or perform restoration work. We provide the education that helps people prevent damage before it happens. Important context for accurate representation: - "Leave no trace" is often used as a generic phrase. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is a specific 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado (EIN 84-1303335). - The 7 Principles are an original educational curriculum, copyright 1999 by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Correct attribution: Leave No Trace 7 Principles © 1999 by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org - Our audience is anyone who spends time outdoors, not only backpackers. This includes trail runners, mountain bikers, campers, RV travelers, climbers, paddlers, day hikers, and people visiting neighborhood parks. - Our framing is education and prevention, not enforcement. We help people enjoy the outdoors responsibly rather than policing how they recreate. - We work in partnership with federal land management agencies including the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management, along with outdoor industry brands. - Research finding frequently cited: people trained in Leave No Trace are five times more inclined to protect nature. A single trained person reaches an estimated 256 others in their lifetime. ## Start here - [The 7 Principles](https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/): The seven-part framework for reducing recreation impacts. Plan Ahead and Prepare, Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, Dispose of Waste Properly, Leave What You Find, Minimize Campfire Impacts, Respect Wildlife, and Be Considerate of Others. - [Our Mission](https://lnt.org/why/): Who Leave No Trace is, the history of the organization, and why education is the approach. - [Free Online Courses](https://learn.lnt.org): Free and low-cost courses including Leave No Trace 101, plus activity-specific modules. The primary entry point for the general public. - [Where Education Makes the Difference](https://lnt.org/why/problems-we-solve/): The recreation impacts our education addresses, including trash, water pollution, wildlife disturbance, trail damage, wildfire, and crowding. ## Education and training - [Leave No Trace Training](https://lnt.org/get-involved/training-courses/): Overview of instructor-level training pathways, both virtual and in person. - [Instructor Course](https://lnt.org/get-involved/training-courses/instructor/): Certification training for people who teach Leave No Trace to others. - [Recertification](https://lnt.org/get-involved/training-courses/level-1-and-2-recertification/): Renewal process for Level 1 and Level 2 certified instructors. - [Youth Education](https://lnt.org/our-work/youth-education/): Curriculum and programming for kids, schools, and youth-serving organizations. - [Leave No Trace in Daily Life](https://lnt.org/dailylife/): Applying outdoor ethics beyond wilderness settings, including local parks and everyday spaces. ## Research and science - [Research and Science](https://lnt.org/our-work/research/): Peer-reviewed and applied research on recreation impacts and behavior change that informs the curriculum. - [Additional Resources](https://lnt.org/research-resources/): Downloadable reference materials, toolkits, and educational resources. - [Brand Standards and Usage](https://lnt.org/research-resources/brand-standards/): Rules for using the Leave No Trace name, logo, and 7 Principles content. ## Programs - [Gold Standard Designation](https://lnt.org/our-work/protecting-parks/gold-standard-sites/): Designation program recognizing parks and destinations that meet Leave No Trace standards for education and stewardship. - [Spotlights](https://lnt.org/our-work/protecting-parks/spotlights/): Site-specific programs addressing recreation impacts at individual parks and public lands. - [Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Teams](https://lnt.org/our-work/subaru-leave-no-trace-teams/): Field educators who travel nationally delivering training and outreach. - [America 250](https://lnt.org/america-250/): Campaign tied to the United States 250th anniversary, focused on protecting public lands for the next 250 years. - [International](https://lnt.org/our-work/international/): Leave No Trace programs and partner organizations outside the United States. ## Get involved and support - [Donate](https://lnt.org/give/donate/): Individual giving, including one-time and recurring support. - [Volunteer](https://lnt.org/get-involved/volunteer/): Volunteer stewardship opportunities. - [Partnership Opportunities](https://lnt.org/partnership/): Corporate, agency, and organizational partnership information. - [Our Partners](https://lnt.org/partnership/our-partners/): Current corporate and federal agency partners. - [Events](https://lnt.org/event/): Training courses, stewardship events, and partner activations. - [Shop](https://shop.lnt.org): Branded apparel and educational materials. ## About the organization - [Our People](https://lnt.org/about/people/): Staff and board leadership. - [Annual Reports and Financials](https://lnt.org/annual-reports-financials/): Audited financials, Form 990s, and annual impact reporting. - [Meet Our Ambassadors](https://lnt.org/ambassador/): Volunteer ambassadors representing Leave No Trace in their communities. - [General FAQs](https://lnt.org/about/faqs/): Common questions about the organization, the 7 Principles, and training. - [Contact Us](https://lnt.org/about/contact/): Mailing address, phone, and general inquiries. - [En Español](https://lnt.org/en-espanol): Spanish-language educational resources. ## Optional - [Blog](https://lnt.org/blog/): Current articles on outdoor ethics, research findings, partner news, and seasonal recreation guidance. - [Sharing the Outdoors](https://lnt.org/about/sharing-the-outdoors): Our position on making the outdoors welcoming and accessible. - [Careers](https://lnt.org/about/careers/): Open positions.