Well, this is exciting! My very own web site. Now I can vent and ya'll can rant and we can have an on-going conversation about all things outdoors.
I'm writing this because I am the State Advocate for Leave No Trace, Center for Outdoor Ethics for the state of Kansas.
I've been trying to figure out how to reach out and communicate with the rest of the state. Those of you who have an interest in or want to know more about Leave No Trace.
I hope this works.
A little later on I'll be posting information about LNT for those of you who don't have a clue but want to know more. Basically however, LNT is about outdoor ethics and education. Providing insights into proper behavior when using our wonderful outdoor resources.
For now, I just want to welcome all who respond and to let you know I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
If you want to do a little research, go to www.lnt.org , click on Community and select Kansas---there I am!
I go by Jay, but some call me a crusty old OWL!
Later, and thanks...

December 23, 2011
jws

So I'm still getting use to using this. Ya gotta remember, I'm computer challenged!!!!!
Since it's the Holidays and Santa is coming to town Sat. night, I thought I'd just wish all of you reading this a very Happy Holiday. We'll pick up the thread after the first of the year.
I want to spend some really quality time with family and friends.
THINK: What can you do with all that gift wrap? Instead of throwing it away, think of other uses like college material or book covers ? Something other than trash!
Later,
Jay...


December 26, 2011
12.50 AM
Well He's been here and gone and left a whole pile of stuff for the kids.
We'll all be together Wednesday night over at Kelly's in Eudora. We'll have our Official Christmas Wed Night when Kelly get's home from work. Jamei, Russell, and Tom get here Tuesday! Really looking forward to having all my "babies" together. Hope I get some cool pictures.

PS: this thing needs a spell checker!


    Picture
    I had to show off my new Tilly hat. Colen Fletcher wore one of these almost all of his life. Who was Colen Fletcher? Just the father of odern day packpacking. He wrote books like "The Complete Hiker" and "The Man Who Walked Through Time." You should check them out.   jws

    January 4, 2012
    6:52 AM
    Well, here we go again with a brand new year! Sure hope all of you have made your list of resolbasis and an end-of-the-yeasrutions! I made mine, them lost it! Oh well!!!
    I'm looking forward to a lot of activity and response from as many of you as possible this year.
    As you already know, I have to make a report to the Center on a quarterly basis and an end-of-the-year report to Eric at the BSA National Outdoor Ethics Task Force.
    I can't make a report unless you all send me information each time you conduct a program of anykind related to Leave No Trace.
    Since the majority of folks I hear from are in Scouting, as am I, most of my ramblings will be directed at Scouts, Scouters, and Scout related events. However, ANYBODY can join our LNT family at any time. All you have to do is contact me, Jay Stires, at jstireslnt@cox.net or jump on this blog and write something. Ask questions, make statements, do something so I know you're out there. Remember the tag line to the movie "Aliens", "In Space Your Can Hear No One Scream" . Well, that applies to cyber space as well. I can't hear you if you don't 'Blog-in'!!!!!! (made that up myself).
    I would like to hear from you folks out in western Kansas to find out your thoughts and feelings on LNT. Never heard of Leave No Trace, long on to www.lnt.org. You'll find more info than you ever thought possible about this fantastic organization made up of thousands of volunteers from all over the country and a few foreign countries as well.
    There are folks at The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics in Boulder, CO, who will bend over backwards to help you out!
    You can also find out about our next Trainer Course. It will be in April,(27-29) at Falley Scout Reservation norteast of Lake Perry. Look for the Invitationn and registration form on the Council Web Site, www.jayhawkcouncil.org. 
    Thanks for reading---write me a note.

    Jay...
    Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012
    5:00 AM
    Another thing for all you Trainers: If some of you have been toying wirh the idea of moving up, there are a number of Master Educator Course available to you. Check out the info on lnt.org for courses or contac Toby Green at toby.green@caremart.com . Toby is the Central Region's LNT coordinator and has a listing of all ME courses beig offerered in our area.
    I encourage all of you to give this some thought. We need more ME's to conduct Training Courses throughout the state. 
    Thgat's right, if you are an ME you can organize and condust an "Outdoor Ethics" Trainer Course. But you must contact me to let me know what you are planning and what help you need.
    I can supply you with "Invitation" packets and "Information" packets to send out to all participants.
    I can also help you with budget, menues, food costs, supplies, and materials needed to conduct a course.
    Even if you are not hosting a Trainer course, I can help with info for "BSA lnt 101,
    Areness Workshops.(3 hour presentation)
    For all of you who have logged on to this blog, there are multiple opportunities for
     you to get some sort of training.
    Check your District and Council calendars for time and place of the next workshop/seminar offereds in your area.
    Logg on to www.jayhawkcouncil.org for a complete invitation and registration form for the next Trainer Course at Falley Scout Reservation, April  27-29, 2012. Or contact me, Jay Stires , Jayhawk Area Council, BSA, Outdoor Ethics Advocate. jstireslnt@cox.net.
    So, how am I doing so far?
    jws, 1/5/12, 5:42 AM
    Jan. 8
    Jan 19, 2012...
    We heard from Cheri Miller of the Wyondotte County Conservation District. She and her group are putting on a program for school kids on April 13 at Nash Scout Reservation in Bonner Springs.
    They will be running a booth for Leave No Trace and featuring the "Bigfoot Challenge" along with a program called WATER RALLY!
    I will be lending support in the form of hang tags and information brochures. Not sure just yet what else Cheri may want but we'll do our best to help her out.
    You can contact her at www.wycocd.com or call her at 913-334-6329.
    THANKS,
    jay...

    A New Page!!!!!
    After three days of very frustrating busy work, I finally got the help I needed to get back into this thing and add some more info.
    Ya'll will just have to bare with me while I learn my way around this thing. I got lost but now am found!!!!!
    Anyway, it's time to start signing up for the April Trainer Course. I hope that soon this site will catch on and a lot of folks will long into the Jayhawk Council Web site: www.jayhawkcouncil.org and join us in April !
    There really isn't much else going on just now but things will heat up in a few weeks. Hang in there and keep reading. Ya just never know what's going to happen next in "Jay's World"!!!
    jws/1/26/12

    lick here to edit.