After participating in an activity designed to study backcountry travel, group members will be capable of:
1. describing the value of trails in backcountry travel.
2. applying Leave No Trace ideas to travel decisions in the backcountry and near home.
Your group will create and travel through an imaginary Backcountry Landscape. They will take two trips. First they will imagine their Backcountry Landscape is a popular well-used area with a developed trail. On the second trip, they will imagine the area is rarely used. How will group members choose to travel to their destination in each situation? The Backcountry Landscape will provide a focal point for questions and discussion.
Materials
A large (approximately 18" X 24"), shallow box or container with an open top. An outdoor sandbox or similar area will also work well.
If a box is used, collect enough sand, dirt or similar material to fill the box to a depth of about 1 inch.
Small paper cutouts or other objects to simulate natural features: animals and vegetation (trees, shrubs, grasses, etc.).
Small stones and flat rocks to simulate boulders and rocky surfaces.
Preparation:
Read the entire lesson plan and Background Information thoroughly. This activity should take about 75 minutes.
Prepare a Backcountry Landscape prior to your group's arrival by creating a flat, featureless layer of slightly damp sand or soil in the bottom of your box.
Have group members make small cutouts or bring toy objects and rocks from home to simulate natural features. Preparing these items prior to your meeting will contribute to success.
Alternative Setting: a sandlot playground can serve as a life-sized backcountry if preferred. Prepare the sand with a rake or other tool to create your featureless landscape. The trick is to make the area smooth enough that everyone can see the effects of their travel. Swing sets and other play ground equipment can serve as rocks and other natural features.
Grabbing Your Group's Attention: 15 minutes
Your group is going to build an imaginary backcountry setting. The Backcountry Landscape they create will serve to stimulate people's curiosity and interest; they will actually see their on the landscape. Presenting the activity in a fun and interesting way is crucial to its success.
Have everyone gather around the pre pared box of sand or soil. Using the cutouts, pebbles, rocks and other objects, have the group create a back try world into which they will enter on an imaginary hiking trip. Your back try world should include a stream or river, trees, a meadow, and at least one flat rocky area. Designate a point at one end of the box as the Starting Point and a point at the other end of the box as the "Final Destination."
Steps for Teaching the Activity - 45 minutes
Scenario 1: On-trail
Have participants decide as a group where to locate a narrow hiking trail leading from the Starting Point to the Final Destination. Tell them they must include a short section of zigzags (switch backs). Have one person use two fingers to draw the trail in the sand.
Present the following scenario: Imagine the group is planning a trip through their Backcountry Landscape. The destination and trail are visited by many hikers and campers. The goal of the group is to leave as little trace as possible while traveling from the Starting Point to the Final Destination. Each person should indicate their chosen routethey would like to take by letting their fingers do the walking in the moist sand. Instruct the group to identify one spot for a rest break. Let each person indicate a path before discussing
Time Out for Discussion: A close review of the Background Information is needed to effectively lead discussion.
Why did you choose the route that you did? Most people will choose to stay on the trail. The discussion should focus on choosing the route that will protect the land and prevent new trails from developing.
Why do land managers build hiking trails for backcountry visitors? Constructed trails concentrate hiker activity and prevent informal trails which increase vegetation and soil erosion from forming.
Where should the group stop for breaks? Taking breaks off-trail preserves solitude for others; however, always take breaks on durable surfaces. Move to gravel or flat rocks without disturbing soil or vegetation. Stay on trail and allow room for others to pass if going off trail will result in dam age.
How noisy were people during their hike? A little chatter is a part of hiking, and can reduce the risk of bear encounters in bear country. However, screaming, radios and other loud noises upset the outdoor experience of all visitors and may disturb wildlife.
Summarizing key points.
Use existing trails.
Avoid taking short cuts.
Walk single file. Avoid winding trails.
Scenario 2: Off-trail
Use a wide paint brush or your hand to erase the trail from your Backcountry Landscape.
Present your group with a new scenario: Imagine the group is planning a trip through a new area rarely visited by hikers and campers it has no trail leading to the destination. The goal of the group is still to reach the designation while leaving as little evidence of its passing as possible. How should group members travel to their designation? Again, each person should indicate their route by letting their "fingers do the walking" in the moist sand. Let each person indicate a path before discussing
Time Out for Discussion: Trailless A close review of the Background Information is needed to effectively lead discussion.
Why did you choose the route that you did? Traveling off trail will present group members with difficult decisions. It is important to help develop people's critical thinking skills by weighing the effects of alternative off-trail choices. Should they spread out or walk in the same path?
Would your choice differ if this was a desert environment? Forested environment? Generally, spreading out will be the best choice, but this may be inappropriate in a desert environment. Refer to the Background Information for details.
Where should the group stop for breaks? Find durable surfaces when stopping for breaks.
Wrapping Up the Activity - 15 Minutes
Congratulations on conducting a well-prepared meeting for your group!
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