BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Visit Southern West Virginia, in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Tourism and the West Virginia Department of Education, has launched a new initiative to teach fifth-grade students in Raleigh County the importance of protecting the natural environment.
The educational program centers around the “Leave No Trace” (LNT) principles—seven guidelines that help reduce human impact on nature.
Through classroom visits, students are introduced to these principles with the help of “Bigfoot,” the Leave No Trace master, who offers fun tips and tricks for keeping nature clean.
Each student receives a Bigfoot sticker and a keychain tag listing the seven principles, serving as a reminder to care for the outdoors.
“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 lessons are interactive and include hands-on activities, aiming not only to promote environmental stewardship but also to introduce students to career opportunities in West Virginia’s growing tourism industry.
For teachers or schools interested in scheduling a Leave No Trace lesson, contact Jessica Lynch at jess@visitwv.com or call (304) 252-2244. More information is available at visitwv.com.
