During the month of June, the Kentucky State Parks will be providing 30-minute “Leave No Trace” (LNT) outdoor ethics training sessions for all hikers, horseback riders, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.

These free workshops are among the objectives promoted by the Kentucky Recreational Trails Authority, Department of Parks and Office for Adventure Tourism to support responsible recreation in Kentucky. All participants completing the course will receive a 10 percent discount sticker for Kentucky State Parks lodging and camping.

This sticker will be good as long as you possess it. To get another sticker, all you need do is take another free course offered at the state parks. Participants will also receive backpack tags with the LNT Seven Principles.

As part of the web of life that surrounds us, LNT teaches us how to responsibly interact with nature, how to handle encounters with wildlife, follow trail routes, the proper use of materials, supplies and containers to take along and why.

Groups, clubs, organizations and individuals are invited to “get out” to one of the following state parks during May. More workshops are planned for June. Take the LNT course and enjoy one of the many trails in state parks that showcase natural features such as caves, natural bridges, scenic falls, a diversity of wildflowers in bloom and fresh air!

Programs are free and offered at the below locations, dates, and times (all times are local):

General Butler               June 5, 12, 19, 26          10 a.m. (Carrollton)

Barren River                   June 5, 12, 19, 26          1 p.m. (Glasgow area)

Lake Cumberland           June 11, 25                   4:30 p.m. (Jamestown)

The Leave No Trace Seven Principles are used by the National Parks Service, numerous state park systems, including Kentucky, the Boy Scouts of America and numerous other clubs and organizations throughout the world that cherish outdoor activities.

For more information about Kentucky Adventure opportunities and Leave No Trace Programs go to www.getoutKY.com.

The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges — more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at www.parks.ky.gov