2025 schedule of classes and events is now up. Additional dates will be added as we continue to recover from Hurricane Helene. If you don’t see a desired class or event, check back or contact us for more information.

Leave No Trace & Conservation Training

Conservation Courses for Individuals & Trainers

Minimize Your Impact, Maximize Your Experience: Take a Leave No Trace Course

The Leave No Trace training is an important step for anyone who wants to become a responsible and ethical outdoor enthusiast. With the Leave No Trace courses offered by Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute, you will learn practical techniques for minimizing your impact on the environment and become a better steward of the wild places you love. Taught by experienced professionals, this hands-on training will give you real-life scenarios to apply the Leave No Trace principles. Additionally, Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute's location alongside the beautiful Nolichucky River and adjacent to the world-famous Appalachian Trail provide an opportunity to practice these skills in a real-life setting. Join our Leave No Trace and conservation-related events and not only protect the environment for future generations but also enhance your own outdoor experiences.

Swiftwater Rescue Class Group Pic

Why Choose Us for Your Nature Conservation Training?

NOLI, its instructors and staff are committed to respecting and protecting the places we live, work and play. We believe strongly that the land is part of the community and that every action we take should be mindful of the impact it has on the natural world around us now and for generations to come. This ethos is one of our core principles at NOLI and permeates everything we do. Our Leave No Trace and conservation-related classes and events are done for free or at minimal cost as a resource to help educate the public, educators, park staff and school-aged youth on the principles of Leave No Trace and how we can all be responsible stewards of our planet. And, we regularly support regional and broader conservation efforts through donations and other means. 

Leave No Trace Training Reviews

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Lee C.

Scott did a great job leading a LNT workshop for our kids. He was patient, kind and engaging—the kids loved it! We will definitely be looking into other classes held here.

Samm K.

Had so much fun over the weekend being trained to teach Leave No Trace classes! The trainer created a safe and fun environment for everyone and the course material was great. Ready to sign up for another class!

Mindy H.

Thank you so much for your free classes for children. My daughter and I took the Leave No Trace class. The instructor did such a great job of making it fun and still teaching her so much. He encouraged her with his positive feedback and motivated her to stay focused. Thank you again.

Common Questions About Leave No Trace & Conservation Training

  • What do I need to bring to a Leave No Trace or conservation-related training or event?

    It may vary slightly by event but, generally, it is recommended to bring clothes suitable for extended time outside, sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes, a water bottle or sports drink, bagged lunch (for events that go through lunch), a rain jacket (weather dependent) and a day pack (optional). For events involving picking up trash gloves would also be an excellent idea, although we provide gloves to those who need them. We also provide trash bags.

  • How much do the Leave No Trace classes cost?

    Most Leave No Trace and conservation-related awareness workshops and events are free or have a nominal cost to cover expenses. We do accept donations on behalf of conservation organizations and it is our policy that any profit we may make from these classes is donated to conservation organizations. 

  • Do you schedule custom training or could you come into our school, organization, etc to do a Leave No Trace program?

    Yes. We do custom Leave No Trace training by request and may be able to come to you depending on distance and instructor availability. Contact us for more information.

  • Is there a minimum age requirement?

    The minimum age is 7 years old to participate in Leave No Trace Awareness Workshops and 16 years old to attend a Leave No Trace Trainer Course. Younger children may participate in custom awareness programs scheduled by request.

  • Will we pick up trash as part of Leave No Trace training and events?

    In the case of Leave No Trace awareness workshops, we give participants the option to pick up items of trash we come across while walking up the trail or along the river, although it is not required. We also occasionally schedule events such as trail or river clean-ups where picking up trash is the objective. For these events, we provide participants with gloves and trashbags, and dispose of the trash upon completion.

  • Can you help me bring the Leave No Trace message to others, such as my school, church, scouts, friends, etc?

    Yes. Contact us and we will be glad to provide you with resources and support to help educate others on how to respect and protect our natural places.