REND LAKE – The Leave No Trace organization has selected Rend Lake as a 2024 Spotlight site.
As outdoor areas all over the country are being impacted by record use, this new initiative from Leave No Trace shines a light on communities rising to meet this challenge with multi-day, onsite education and restoration initiatives. From June 6-8, a Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Team will be at Rend Lake with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers team to work with the community to deliver Leave No Trace education as well as to partner on a stewardship project.
Sites are nominated for the Leave No Trace Spotlight initiative by local land agencies or community groups. The diverse sites chosen in 2024 span the country, each with unique environmental challenges. The goal of the initiative is to equip each Spotlight area with relevant Leave No Trace tools that address the impacts the site is facing and ultimately, to foster healthy lands and people.
“The Spotlight program is an amazing way to highlight the power of community and the difference people can make when they unite to protect the outdoors,” states Dana Watts, the Executive Director of Leave No Trace. “Spotlights put conservation into action. The 3-day program, lead by our Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Team, focuses on workshops, Leave No Trace education, and community engagement to ensure that every Spotlight host is empowered with the tools necessary to continue to protect and conserve the areas around them.”
“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers team is honored that Rend Lake has been selected as a LNT spotlight site. As one of the lead providers of recreation across the nation, Rend Lake serves 1.6 million visitors annually. We are excited by the opportunity to strengthen partnerships within our community for the betterment of our recreation and environmental resource!” – Jackie Taylor, Operations Manager, Rend Lake Project
The following events are free and open to the public. People of all ages are welcome to attend. For more information visit https://lnt.org/event/leave-no-trace-spotlight-rend-lake/.
Thursday June 6th: Introduction to Leave No Trace Skills & Ethics: Join Leave No Trace for this interactive workshop open to staff, partners, and the public to learn all about Leave No Trace principles and guidelines to practice whether on the beach or water at Rend Lake, while camping, enjoying all your favorite local parks and natural areas, or in your everyday life. RSVP/Advance sign up is encouraged: LNT.org/RendLake-Workshop
Friday, June 7th: Leave No Trace Pop-up Education & Rend Lake Outreach: Join us for engaging and family-friendly outreach and education, meet the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Team, and play quick games to learn more about Leave No Trace and how to protect Rend Lake and all your favorite outdoor spaces.
Saturday, June 8th: Beach Blast Shoreline Cleanup: Join Leave No Trace and US Army Corps of Engineers team and partners for a fun volunteer day and stewardship project during the Rend Lake Beach Blast and Leave No Trace Spotlight!
About Leave No Trace
Using the power of science and research, education for all, and stewardship to support and protect nature, Leave No Trace is on a mission to ensure a sustainable future for the outdoors and the planet. The Spotlight program is the newest education offering from Leave No Trace. Learn more at www.LNT.org.
Facebook: @LeaveNoTraceCenter
Instagram: @LeaveNoTraceOrg
Twitter: @LeaveNoTrace
LinkedIn: @LeaveNoTrace