Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Training
Become a Certified Leave No Trace Instructor
A virtual training that equips outdoor educators, land managers, and recreation professionals with the skills and curriculum to teach Leave No Trace principles in the field.
What is Leave No Trace?
Leave No Trace is a nationally recognized framework for responsible outdoor recreation. Built on seven core principles, it provides practical guidance for minimizing human impact on natural places — from backcountry wilderness to urban parks.
Developed through decades of research and field experience, Leave No Trace is used by land management agencies, outdoor education programs, youth organizations, and recreation professionals across the country. It is the standard for teaching outdoor ethics in the United States.
The Seven Principles
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
Why Become a Level 1 Instructor?
A Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Certification gives you the knowledge, tools, and credentials to bring Leave No Trace education into your work and community.
Teach with authority
Earn a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates your expertise in Leave No Trace principles and outdoor ethics education.
Expand your programs
Add Leave No Trace Workshops and Skills Courses to your organization's offerings — reaching more people with evidence-based outdoor ethics education.
Protect the places you love
Equip yourself to change behavior at scale. Certified instructors multiply impact by training others to practice and teach responsible recreation.
Advance your career
Certification is valued by land management agencies, outdoor education organizations, recreation programs, and conservation nonprofits.
Who Should Attend
This course is open to anyone 18 or older who wants to learn and share Leave No Trace. It is especially well-suited for:
- Outdoor instructors, guides, and recreation professionals
- Land managers and public lands staff
- Teachers, professors, and youth program leaders
- Scout leaders and volunteer stewards
- Nonprofit and conservation organization staff
- Anyone passionate about responsible outdoor recreation
Learning Objectives
Upon completing the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand, demonstrate, and teach state-of-the-art minimum impact techniques for a variety of environments and audiences
- Lead discussions on outdoor ethics and help others explore their own personal outdoor ethic
- Apply facilitation skills to deliver engaging, effective Leave No Trace education sessions
- Design and deliver Leave No Trace Workshops (1 day or shorter) and Leave No Trace Skills Courses
- Adapt Leave No Trace messaging to diverse audiences, settings, and recreation contexts
- Use current Leave No Trace research and resources to support ongoing education efforts
What Participants Receive
Three live Google Meet sessions
Three 3-hour instructor-led Meet sessions with a small cohort of 6–12 participants. Sessions are interactive and discussion-based.
Asynchronous coursework
Pre- and between-session assignments including readings, video reviews, and written responses that deepen your understanding before each live session.
Course materials
Free access to the Virtual Level 1 Instructor Course Packet. Physical materials can be purchased at www.lnt.org.
Teaching practice with feedback
Each participant facilitates a 10-minute teaching session on an instructor-assigned Leave No Trace principle, with structured peer and instructor feedback.
Level 1 Instructor Certification
Successful graduates earn a Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Certification, valid for two years, authorizing them to lead Workshops and Skills Courses.
One Year Leave No Trace Membership
A one-year Membership providing access to resources, recertification pathways, and a network of Leave No Trace educators committed to responsible outdoor recreation.
- Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor
- EdD Educational Leadership
- Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE)
- 20+ years in outdoor education and conservation
Your Instructor
JD Tanner | EdD, CPRE
Co-Founder, Blue Spruce Outdoors
JD has worked on many levels teaching Leave No Trace. He took his Level 2 Instructor Course in 2004, was a Traveling Trainer for three years, a NM & IL State Advocate for six years, worked as a Level 2 Course Provider, and was the Director of Education and Training at Leave No Trace for four years. JD is a Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor with more than two decades of experience in outdoor education, conservation, and recreation management. He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and is a Certified Park and Recreation Executive.
JD has taught over 450 Leave No Trace workshops and over 60 Level 1 and Level 2 Instructor courses across the country and even internationally — from frontcountry day programs to multi-day backcountry expeditions. His teaching approach emphasizes practical application, adult learning principles, and creating the kind of behavior change that actually sticks.
Upcoming Courses
Select a course below to view full details and register. All courses are held virtually via Google Meet. In-person options are available by inquiry.
| Course | Dates | Location | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course | September 15–17, 2026 | Virtual (Meet) | View & Register |
| Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course | October 7–9, 2026 | Virtual (Meet) | View & Register |
| Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course | November 17–19, 2026 | Virtual (Meet) | View & Register |
| Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course | December 7–9, 2026 | Virtual (Meet) | View & Register |
| Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course | January 13–15, 2027 | Virtual (Meet) | View & Register |
| Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course | February 8–10, 2027 | Virtual (Meet) | View & Register |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Become a Certified Instructor?
Reach out to learn about upcoming course dates, group rates, or to schedule a private training for your organization or team.