The Good Dirt

Philanthropy

Apart from my profession, there is a veritable litany of things that I like to keep track of. Some of these things are:

• My dog
• My laundry
• My marbles

Others, however, need more explanation. To wit:

ShelterBox.  I spend a lot of time speaking about this group, which sends disaster relief materials to areas hard-hit by human or natural disasters. I am one of a team of select individuals (160 around the world, to be exact) responsible for delivering the big green box that houses a 10-person tent, a stove, cooking and water purification supplies, and other sundry items needed to make a home for people who’ve lost their homes. In the past year we’ve gone to Haiti, Mexico, the Philippines, Indonesia, Peru, China, Malawi, Niger… It took a year of hard work and difficult interviewing and testing to get on the ShelterBox Response Team, so I’m proud to be a part of it. If you think you know of a group or an organization that needs to know about us and who can donate, please let me know. I’m happy to come visit you with my box.

Leave No Trace. I’m a Leave No Trace Master Educator. This means that I went through an intensive course that helps me to teach outdoor ethics to folks who are interested in learning more about the great outdoors, and how they can engage in outdoor recreation without leaving a mark on the environment. It’s been a fulfilling path: Since I became a Master Educator in 2006, I and my team have educated over 2000 people on Leave No Trace principles. That includes the folks who use the outdoors the most: trail runners, adventure racers, mountain bikers, even employees at our local REI. Ask me if you’d like me to speak about Leave No Trace at your event. Yes, it’s free.