This course provides participants with a comprehensive overview of Leave No Trace skills and ethics through practical application in a field-based setting. Students will practice Leave No Trace teaching strategies by delivering a planned lesson. The Level 2 Instructor course prepares students to deliver 2 day Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor (Trainer) courses, Awareness Workshops, and Skills Courses.
LNT Level 2 Instructor Course Expectations
Landmark’s Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor courses are run in two formats: Frontcountry and Hybrid. See the Course Outlines below for details.
Course Outline
This institution is operated under special use permit with the Nantahala National Forest.
LNT L2 Instructor 5-day Frontcountry Schedule
LNT Hybrid L2 Instructor 2-wkend Frontcountry Schedule
Packing List
General Information
40 hours / 5 days
Comfort in the outdoors and hiking on backcountry trails.
Backcountry guides, canoe trip leaders, private expedition groups, college/university outdoor education programs, hiking club trip leaders, park and forest rangers, and wilderness therapeutic programs.
Certificate of course completion
Teachers in NC can receive continuing education hours.
Course Expectations
Teaching Topics: The Teaching Topic is the cornerstone of the Level 2 Instructor course experience. It provides the opportunity to prepare a lesson plan, deliver it, and receive immediate feedback from peers and instructors. Each Level 2 Instructor candidate is expected to teach one of the seven principles of Leave No Trace to the class, incorporating into their topic the content and style necessary to teach a group they may encounter as a Level 2 Instructor after this course. For example, if the candidate will be working with school groups, they should address our class as school-aged students and prepare activities or discussion to fit that particular audience. Or, if the candidate will be working in general education at trailheads or on the trail, they should address our class as recreationists they might encounter. In preparing your topic, imagine that we (your classmates) know nothing about Leave No Trace. Each candidate will be evaluated through peer review and by course instructors for depth of content, appropriateness for the chosen audience, and instructional style. Sign up for your topic with your registration material, and get online to research: lnt.org
There is no written or practical examination in order to gain this certification. Successful course completion is dependent on 100% attendance and full participation. Online recertification is required every 2 years in order to maintain course reporting qualifications.
Additional Details
Please Note: The Level 2 Instructor course is not designed to provide instruction on backcountry living skills. The backcountry aspect of the experience is meant to provide relevance to the curriculum, through practicing Leave No Trace techniques and methods, observing examples of impact, and creating an awareness of use and its purposes. The course itinerary is very full, and does not allow time for teaching how to light stoves, cook, purify water, and set up tents, for example. It is assumed that participants come with a level of comfort for living in a backcountry setting, and with all their own gear. If you feel that you would require instruction in any of these backcountry living skills, please contact our office to discuss your goals and alternatives available to you.