Beckley, W.Va. (WVDN) – Visit Southern West Virginia, in collaboration with the West Virginia Department of Tourism and the West Virginia Department of Education, is proud to announce a new education initiative aimed at all fifth-grade students in Raleigh County Elementary Schools. This program seeks to instill a deep appreciation for the region’s natural beauty and teach responsible outdoor practices to the next generation.
The cornerstone of this initiative is the introduction of the “Leave No Trace” (LNT) principles, a set of ethical guidelines designed to minimize human impact on the environment. It promotes behaviors that keep natural places clean, wildlife safe, and a great outdoors experience for everyone. Through Visit Southern West Virginia’s visit to fifth-grade classes, students learn these principles by following tips and tricks from the Leave No Trace master, Bigfoot. Students participating in these lessons will be given a big foot sticker to remind them to keep nature clean, as well as a keychain tag that lists the 7 Leave No Trace Principles.
“We are excited to collaborate with the City of Beckley and the Raleigh County Parks and Recreation Authority to bring this valuable program to Raleigh County,” said Jessica Lynch, Destination and Marketing Manager at Visit Southern West Virginia. “Teaching our youth about the importance of preserving our natural resources ensures that our beautiful landscapes remain vibrant for generations to come.”
The program will include interactive lessons and hands-on activities to engage students and share with them the career paths available within our state’s growing tourism industry. Through this initiative, Visit Southern West Virginia reaffirms its commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and environmental education across the state.
If you or a teacher you know is interested in scheduling a Leave No Trace lesson from Visit Southern West Virginia, contact Jessica Lynch at jess@visitwv.com or call (304)252-2244. For more information about the Leave No Trace principles and how to get involved, visit: https://visitwv.com/
