Leave No Trace Global Summit Draws 300+ Attendees to Boulder, Colorado

October 9, 2024—Today, in Boulder, Colorado, the Leave No Trace organization concluded a three-day Global Summit event that drew more than 300 attendees for presentations, networking, and discussions about protecting natural resources through responsible outdoor recreation. The summit marks 30 years since the international organization, headquartered in Boulder, was first formed as an educational non-profit.

Leave No Trace teaches outdoor visitors about the simple and effective steps we can all take to reduce our impacts and safeguard the natural world. Based on the 7 Principles, Leave No Trace has become the world’s most widely taught framework for outdoor education. More than a dozen nations sent representatives to the summit, which featured 28 education sessions and addresses from leaders in land management, outdoor gear companies, sustainable tourism, corporate responsibility and other fields.

The summit’s first day included a presentation by NASA Astronaut Dr. Kjell Lindgren, who offered his unique perspective in “An Orbital Perspective of our Home.” Watch Dr. Lindgren explain his affinity for teaching Leave No Trace and protecting the planet in this video recording from the International Space Station. Many other informative sessions were presented, and the day concluded with a reception and videos at the Arc’Teryx Boulder flagship store.

On Tuesday (10/8) evening, Boulder Mayor Aaron Brocket provided the opening address for a celebration dinner. Sherry Rupert, CEO of the American Indian and Native Alaskan Tourism Association, spoke movingly about the tradition of protecting natural resources that Indigenous people have long upheld despite the abuses and unjust land seizures that have been inflicted on them. The evening also featured an address by Philip Henderson, a Leave No Trace ambassador, sponsored athlete, and a passionate advocate for increased outdoor diversity.

Leaders in the Leave No Trace movement received the following awards:

Mission Excellence: Charles Thomas Jr./Outward Bound Adventures
Mission Excellence: Haven Holsapple/National Outdoor Leadership School
Corporate Excellence: Subaru of America
Lifetime Achievement: Dr. Jeff Marion

The global summit concluded on Wednesday (10/9) with information about the Leave No Trace research agenda, which includes $20,000 in grants for scientific proposals, as well as presentations by key partners, federal agencies, and international affiliates in the Leave No Trace network.

Premier event sponsor Fjällräven, along with many other generous sponsors, generously supported the 2024 Leave No Trace Global Summit.

Photo: Recipients of the Leave No Trace awards for Mission Excellence (Charles Thomas Jr./Outward Bound Aventures and Haven Holsapple/National Outdoor Leadership School), Corporate Excellence (Subaru of America), and Lifetime Achievement (Dr. Jeff Marion).