"Before" Assignment
The first portion of my McBride practicum is stored here as a multimedia mashup of research and reflection, intended to show a breadth of learning in preparation for experiencing trails with a new perspective and open mind.
*All documentation for "Before" assignment can be found in the "Before" folder in the documents tab under "Portfolio", or at the button to the right of this paragraph.
NOLS Wilderness Medicine Course
The images seen above were taken as part of the NOLS Wilderness First Responder Course I took, as part of my quest to discover ways to safely and ethically interact with the outdoors. This course involved online modules, that informed in-person scenarios and learning. I had a ton of fun with the other students, that came from all walks of life! More details can be found in my reflection in my assignment document linked above.
LNT - Leave No Trace Principles
LNT is just one of the several ethical frameworks that I researched in order to determine what ethical outdoor recreation looks like. LNT is widely recognized, and I would go so far as to say preached, in western outdoor spaces. The principles are as follows:
Plan ahead and prepare
Leave what you find
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Minimize campfire impacts
Dispose of waste properly
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of others
Workout Log Summary
Trail Research
After researching historical trails in Colorado, I narrowed down the focus of the next section of my practicum on the Smoky Hill Trail. Please refer to the final document (linked at the top of this page) to review that research.
Recreating Ethically
How do we make right choices in the outdoors? What should I be aware of when I embark on my "During" hikes? What do I need to learn or unlearn?
While my "Before" document has more detail, some examples of the ethical frameworks I've explored are listed below.
Outdoor Industry
"Groups such as NOLS, Outward Bound, and most outdoor bloggers fall into this category of outdoor ethics. Many follow the principles of the 10 essentials, LNT, and Tread Lightly for clear rules for how to behave in the outdoors, but the worldview motivating this group is that the outdoors should be accessible to anyone who desires to recreate outside. As such, it is a communal effort to both welcome everyone into the outdoors, and protect it for future generations. The ability to recreate outdoors is considered a right, not a privilege"
Indigenous Land Ethic
"There is significant evidence that indigenous people, when granted authority over the land they inhabit, increase the health and biodiversity of said environment. There is some effort, within international law, to implement policies informed by indigenous practices"
Government (U.S.)
"The U.S. National Forest Service provides a fairly clear explanation of the United States government’s views of ethical outdoor activity. The United States has some of the clearest and most stringent views on this topic, and as such will be used as the basis for this conversation. The core of this ethical framework is that every individual that enters the outdoors must be a steward for the outdoors, and protect it as is for both this and the next generation"
What's next?
01
Hike 5 sections of the Smoky Hill Trail
The hikes will be completed once a week, and are as follows:
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4 Mile House - 9/29
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17 Mile House - 10/5
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20 Mile House - 10/12
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Smoky Hill Trail in Cherry Creek State Park - 10/17
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High Line Canal - 10/26
03
Share and synthesize my experiences
Within 24 hours of each visit, I will make a blog entry, with my photos accompanied by a detailed account and reflection of my experience. Goal is to discuss the following questions:
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How do trails influence the preservation and telling of human history?
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What skills are needed to safely and ethically participate in outdoor recreation?
02
Record my experiences
I will spend a minimum of 2 hours at each of these places, taking photos and notes on the physical trail condition, any historical references or markers and whether or not visitors interact with them, observing and talking with people who are visiting, and taking time to sit quietly in the place on reflection.
04
Wrap it up
Use the writing I created during my practicum, and the photos I took, to build a guidebook for my "After" deliverable.