Join us on Sunday, April 21 from 12:00 - 3:00 PM for an immersive experience in the world of wildlife tracking. Located in the picturesque Skagit County, WA, this field course will provide participants with insights on identifying animal tracks in their natural habitat. Our expert guides will enlighten attendees on common track patterns, gaits, and animal behaviors, offering a comprehensive understanding of the nuances of wildlife movement. Moreover, participants will learn the art of casting tracks, enabling them to take home tangible souvenirs for further study and appreciation of the animal kingdom's secrets.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, April 21st, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: TBA
Registration Fee: $45 per person
Kids under 12 are free, but all students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or a legal adult guardian. We love teaching youth programs and would love the opportunity to support their learning.
Our Intro to Wildlife Track & Sign field course offers a comprehensive exploration into the fascinating world of wildlife tracking. Participants will delve into the intricate details of wildlife track identification, track patterns for mammals, common animal behaviors, habitats, and the essential skill of casting tracks.
Wildlife Track Identification
During the course, participants will learn how to distinguish various types of wildlife tracks based on size, shape, gait, and other key characteristics. Emphasis will be placed on developing an eye for detail to accurately identify tracks left behind by different animals.
Track Patterns for Mammals
Participants will gain insights into the distinctive track patterns created by mammals across different terrains. From bounding and loping to galloping and walking, understanding these patterns is crucial for interpreting the movements and behaviors of wildlife in their natural habitats.
Common Animal Behaviors and Habitats
Through engaging discussions and hands-on activities, participants will learn about the behaviors and habitats of common wildlife species. Understanding how animals interact with their environments will provide valuable insights into tracking and interpreting the signs left behind by them.
Track Casting
One of the highlights of the course is the hands-on practice of track casting. Participants will learn how to create detailed casts of tracks using plaster or other suitable materials, allowing them to preserve and study tracks for further analysis and documentation.
Join us for an enriching experience in our Intro to Wildlife Track & Sign field course, where you will immerse yourself in the art and science of wildlife tracking under the guidance of experienced instructors. Gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world as you sharpen your observational skills and uncover the hidden stories written on the ground by our wild neighbors.
Course Schedule:
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM: Meetup and Introduction
Gather at the designated meeting location for a brief orientation.
Meet your knowledgeable naturalist guide and fellow participants.
12:15 PM - 2:30 PM: Guided Hike
Learn about the wildlife that live in Skagit County and how to identify their tracks.
Practice casting tracks and take a cast track home with you for further study.
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Conclusion
Return to the trailhead with newfound knowledge and appreciation for the local fauna.
Wrap up the hike with a group discussion and opportunity for questions and reflections.
Get to know your guides
Matt Hale
Matt Hale grew up exploring the mountains and forests of Washington’s Sky Valley. Since childhood, he dedicated his time to deeply knowing and understanding the flora, fauna, and fungi of the Pacific Northwest. He graduated from Alderleaf Wilderness College in 2015 where he earned a Permaculture Design Certificate in association with the Bullocks Permaculture Center, as well as a Cybertracker Track & Sign Level II certification. Matt is a talented outdoor educator with a passion for human psychology, wilderness emergency medicine, natural building, and sustainable farming. When he’s not foraging for wild edibles or identifying mushrooms in the forest, you can find Matt dropping into half pipes on his skateboard, or crafting in the wood shop.
Ansley Roberts
Ansley has a background in forestry and environmental science, working for the National Park Service and various nonprofit organizations before she moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2021. As a prior river guide and rock climbing instructor, she blends her love for outdoor adventure and land stewardship into her passions for herbal medicine, wilderness leadership, and nature connection. Ansley is just as likely to gush over a rad custom motorcycle build as she would a tiny wildflower or towering tree. She’d be happy to trade you a story for a look at an interesting feather or animal bone and eagerly discusses ancestors, dreams, rites of passage, and poetry with strangers.
Let’s go Tracking!
Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a curious beginner, there's something for everyone on our tracking adventure in Washington State. Reserve your spot today and learn the secrets of wildlife tracking with like-minded individuals. We can't wait to share this adventure with you!
The registration fee is $45 per person.
Additional Information
To ensure a personalized experience and not take up the whole trail, space for these hikes is limited to 8 people. Early registration is recommended to secure your spot.
Participants are advised to dress comfortably and wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear.
Please bring a notebook and pen to jot down valuable insights and tips shared during the workshop.
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