Wildlife Tracking Classes
Most mammals are hard to observe directly, so instead, we learn about their presence through the tracks and signs they leave behind. Tracking teaches us how to pay attention to our surroundings and to recognize signs of past events that are everywhere on the landscape - ultimately teaching us how everything on earth is interconnected.
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Introduction to Wildlife Tracking
Online class: Thursday, November 14, 2024, 6:30-8:30 pm Optional field class (choose one): November 17, November 23, or December 1, 10:00am - 12:00pm (noon) Learn how to identify tracks and trail patterns. This class is designed to help get you started in learning how to track wildlife, focusing on how to see tracks, what to look for, and a great overview of the tracks and trail patterns of the more common mammals you might find. This class focuses primarily on the mammals of the Mt Hood area (though most of the same animals are found in the Portland area as well), and is recommended training for participating in the Wolverine Tracking Project tracking surveys. Cost: Sliding scale, $65 recommended, but pay what you can and no one turned away for lack of funds Location of field class: Oxbow Regional Park. Meet at the Floodplain, the first parking lot on the left after you enter the park. There is no extra charge for the field class, however, there is a $5 entrance fee to the park. |
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Tracking at Fernhill Wetlands
Sunday, April 7, 2024, 1:00-3:00pm
Fernhill Wetlands is home to a rich diversity of mammals and birds. Come explore the wetlands and learn to read the story written the tracks we find in the mud, in order to give us an understanding of what animals are living here. The class is sponsored by Clean Water Services.
When: Sunday, April 7, 1:00-3:00pm
Where: Fernhill Wetlands, 1399 SW Fern Hill Rd, Forest Grove, OR 97116. See map.
Cost: FREE. Advance registration necessary.
Read more about Fernhill Wetlands here.
Sunday, April 7, 2024, 1:00-3:00pm
Fernhill Wetlands is home to a rich diversity of mammals and birds. Come explore the wetlands and learn to read the story written the tracks we find in the mud, in order to give us an understanding of what animals are living here. The class is sponsored by Clean Water Services.
When: Sunday, April 7, 1:00-3:00pm
Where: Fernhill Wetlands, 1399 SW Fern Hill Rd, Forest Grove, OR 97116. See map.
Cost: FREE. Advance registration necessary.
Read more about Fernhill Wetlands here.
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Wildlife Tracking and Awareness: Awakening our senses and instincts
A collaboration with Future Nature, a new school in Portland run by Tom Brown III. Sunday, July 21, 10:00-4:00 Who are the animals that live in the woods around us? How do we expand our awareness to be able to find their signs and maybe even get a glimpse of the animal themselves? Our modern lifestyle cuts us off, not only from the natural world, but from our own senses as well. In this class, you will learn to undo the focused vision that years of being inside instills, and learn to expand your awareness, through focused activities, games, and practice. The goal is to wake ourselves up, and through the process, expand our observations of the natural world and of the animals we share it with. Throughout the class, we will also be looking for signs of our animal neighbors, learning how to interpret the tracks and sign we see, and learning how to move in a manner that allows us a better chance of seeing glimpses of their presence. By looking and moving differently, a whole new world opens to us, one full of wonder and mystery. Instructors: Tom Brown III, Future Nature; Teri Lysak, Cascadia Wild When: Sunday, July 21, 10:00am-4:00pm Location: Private land near Sandy, OR Cost: $160. Current Cascadia Wild volunteers receive $15 off the cost, use promo code CaWVolunteer15off at checkout |
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Wildlife Tracking in the Cascades
Saturday, August 24, 9:30-3:30 In the heat of summer, dusty dirt roads offer some of the best tracking substrate around. Dust can show very fine details, sometimes showing tracks as small as insect tracks. Visit some of the dusty road on the east side of the Mt Hood National Forest and take your tracking to the next level. Previous tracking experience recommended but not required. When: Saturday, August 24, 9:30-3:30 Location: Mt Hood National Forest. Exact location TBD Cost: $80. Current Cascadia Wild volunteers receive $10 off the cost, use promo code CaWVolunteer10off at checkout |
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Naturalist Training Program: Reading the Landscape
The Naturalist Training Program is a series of 8 classes designed to give you a wide variety of skills to make you feel at home in the natural world. Tracking is a large component of these classes, and topics in botany, ecology, navigation and map reading, wilderness survival skills, and reading the landscape are also covered.
The Naturalist Training Program is a series of 8 classes designed to give you a wide variety of skills to make you feel at home in the natural world. Tracking is a large component of these classes, and topics in botany, ecology, navigation and map reading, wilderness survival skills, and reading the landscape are also covered.
