JD Tanner is the Director of Education and Training at Leave No Trace. JD is a dedicated outdoor professional with extensive experience in developing, managing, and evaluating impactful educational, training, and stewardship programs. With a strong background in conservation education, JD has led national initiatives, built strategic partnerships, and studied program effectiveness to ensure meaningful outcomes for both people and public lands. His work emphasizes data-driven decision-making and inclusive outreach efforts, advancing Leave No Trace principles through innovative trainings, citizen science projects, and community engagement campaigns.
JD has over 25 years of outdoor education experience as either an instructor or administrator, with previous experience as a Leave No Trace Traveling Team member, Southern Illinois University, San Juan College, and Southeast Missouri State University. JD holds an EdD from Southern Illinois University, an MS Ed in Recreation Resource Administration from Southern Illinois University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Outdoor and Therapeutic Recreation from Southeast Missouri State University.
“Since my first Leave No Trace training in 2004, I have been passionate about teaching others about Leave No Trace. Managing the education and training efforts in the United States and beyond is a dream come true, and I am dedicated to studying and continuously improving the effectiveness of the Leave No Trace programs and education curriculum.”
McDade, C., Fatone, A., Larson, L. R., Leung, F., & Taff, D. Leave No Trace in the Frontcountry: Assessing Knowledge and Behaviors Before and After a Targeted Messaging Intervention. Journal of Interpretation Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/10925872251327416
See JD’s publications here: https://www.falconguides.com/search-results/?keyword=JD+Tanner
