The Mohonk Preserve has become the first place in New York State to receive the Leave No Trace Gold Standard designation. On Saturday, August 17th, Leave No Trace, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting wilderness and promoting Leave No Trace principles, designated Mohonk Preserve as a Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site.

The Mohonk Preserve was designated for its implementation of Leave No Trace ethics and its strong organizational commitment to outdoor stewardship. The Leave No Trace Gold Standard designation is the highest standard of recognition given to sites that demonstrate excellence in Leave No Trace ethics. The organization is proud to be part of a select group of sites nationwide dedicated to protecting and promoting a sustainable future for the outdoors and the planet.

“We are honored to represent New York and join a select group of sites nationwide in support of Leave No Trace’s mission of ensuring a sustainable future for the outdoors and the planet.”

There are only 32 Leave No Trace Gold sites, ranging from Washington's Olympic National Park to the outdoor spaces of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Not only is Mohonk New York's first site, but it is one of just a few located east of the Rockies.

The event was attended by representatives from local land trusts, environmental organizations, community groups, and government officials. Students from Woodcrest Schools provided music and a curated walk led by Mohonk Preserve Research Director Emeritus Paul Huth.

To learn more about Leave No Trace, visit www.lnt.org/why/7-principles/