Three Steps to Becoming a Back-Country Hero

Back-Country Hero [bak-kuhn-tree heer-oh], noun

1. someone who champions remote and undeveloped areas

If you have the urge to rush to the rescue of unspoiled nature, donning a knapsack instead of a cape, then you could be a back-country hero. But how does a would be “Clark Kent of the wilderness” go about finding a cause? Chuck Fitzgerald, owner of BackCountry Toys ( http://www.BackCountryToys.com ), suggests a three-step approach to becoming a back country hero: take inventory of your interests, research and look for projects.

Step One

The first step is easy. You know what you like, whether its camping, hiking, bird watching or any of the dozens of other activities that bring you close to nature in its purest form. If you are a newbie to nature, start slow. Choose less challenging activities, like bird watching and fishing over rock climbing and skiing.

Step Two

To research, narrow your list down to one or two favorites. Then find organizations that provide programs and education. An Internet search should provide you with several options. Check to see if there are local chapters in your area.

Having trouble deciding on a cause or an activity? You can find wildlife organizations, listed by state at Leave It Wild.

As you browse through an organization's website, look for a page that lists activities or volunteer opportunities. For example, the American Hiking Association (AHA) lists volunteerism and stewardship as one of three pillars on which the organization is built. To that end, AHA offers a schedule of 4, 7 and 10 events where hikers rehabilitate trails in remote areas.

Step Three

Your boot camp for back-country heroes is not over until you make a commitment and get involved. Find a way to keep nature's remote treasures unblemished and safe for future generations.

photo by Janet Burgess