How to Take a Leave No Trace Course

Updated

You can start learning Leave No Trace (LNT) outdoor ethics through lnt.org in two main ways: a free introductory course, or the paid, more in-depth Leave No Trace Skills Course. The free option suits casual recreationists who want the basics; the Skills Course is for people who want practical, real-world training and is offered in both self-paced and in-person formats for a one-time fee of $60.

What lnt.org Offers

Leave No Trace describes itself as science-based outdoor ethics education built around the 7 Principles. Its course offerings fall into two tiers:

Option Format Cost Best for
Free course Online Free First-time learners who want foundational awareness
Leave No Trace Skills Course Self-paced online or in-person One-time $60 fee Recreationists and outdoor professionals who want to apply LNT in practice

The site states the Skills Course is "available to anyone with an internet connection" for the self-paced option, and it is designed for people who want to "move beyond foundational awareness."

How to Get Started

  1. Go to lnt.org.
  2. Review the 7 Principles to understand the core framework the courses teach.
  3. Choose your path:
    • For the free course, follow the site's course or education section.
    • For the Skills Course, select either the self-paced online version or an in-person option.
  4. For the Skills Course, complete the one-time $60 payment to enroll.
  5. Work through the material at your own pace (self-paced) or attend the scheduled in-person session.

Expected result: After the free course you should be able to name and apply the 7 Principles; after the Skills Course you should be able to put LNT into practice in real outdoor settings.

Common Snags

  • The exact registration flow and menu locations aren't specified in the available site information, so expect to navigate the site's education or training section to find enrollment.
  • The free course and the Skills Course are different products — don't assume the free course includes the in-depth skills training.
  • In-person Skills Course availability depends on scheduled sessions, which the site lists separately from the self-paced option.

Choosing Between the Two

Pick the free course if you just want to understand the 7 Principles and basic responsible recreation. Pick the Skills Course if you are a recreationist or outdoor professional who needs to teach or reliably apply LNT in the field and are willing to pay the one-time $60 fee. If you prefer structured, hands-on learning, choose the in-person format; if you need flexibility, choose self-paced.