WINTER TRACKING SURVEYS:
wolverine tracking project
Most wild mammals are difficult to observe, even though they are all around us. By interpreting the footprints and other signs animals leave behind, tracking provides a way to unravel their mystery. These surveys tell us not only about the presence of animals but also how they are using and interacting with an environment, which in turn can inform us about the health of the ecosystem.
These surveys, done in small groups by snowshoe, provide a place for new and experienced trackers alike to strengthen their skills, get together with like-minded people, and participate in a long-term survey to detect signs of rare forest carnivores. Even if you are new to tracking, your observations are valuable, providing more eyes and brain-power to help find tracks.
These surveys, done in small groups by snowshoe, provide a place for new and experienced trackers alike to strengthen their skills, get together with like-minded people, and participate in a long-term survey to detect signs of rare forest carnivores. Even if you are new to tracking, your observations are valuable, providing more eyes and brain-power to help find tracks.
Click here to Join a Tracking Team, or continue reading for more information on the structure, equipment and logistics, and goals of our tracking trips.
goals
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Our winter snow tracking survey trips have two goals:
Tracking is a skill you can spend your whole lifetime learning and still not know everything. We want to be able to share this ancient art with you, to help you either start or continue down that long road of knowledge. It encompasses knowledge of animal behavior, awareness, ecology, and more. The more you study tracking, the more you realize that everything, in fact, leaves a track of some sort. |
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Structure
Season: December - March
Trainings (one classroom and one half-day in the field) are required for new participants and begin in October or November.
Tracking surveys are conducted by snowshoe in Mt Hood National Forest in teams of up to 10 people, with two trained and experienced volunteer tracking leaders in each group. Survey groups depart for Mt Hood almost every weekend from mid-December through the end of March. We complete a total of 15-20 survey trips each season. Most trips are day-long excursions that leave Portland at 8:30 am, and aim to be back in Portland by 6 or 7 pm. Most trips are on Saturday and Sundays, however we also try to schedule at least one weekday trip as well. We ask that trackers help out on at least two survey trips during the season, and you may come on as many as you like.
Trainings (one classroom and one half-day in the field) are required for new participants and begin in October or November.
Tracking surveys are conducted by snowshoe in Mt Hood National Forest in teams of up to 10 people, with two trained and experienced volunteer tracking leaders in each group. Survey groups depart for Mt Hood almost every weekend from mid-December through the end of March. We complete a total of 15-20 survey trips each season. Most trips are day-long excursions that leave Portland at 8:30 am, and aim to be back in Portland by 6 or 7 pm. Most trips are on Saturday and Sundays, however we also try to schedule at least one weekday trip as well. We ask that trackers help out on at least two survey trips during the season, and you may come on as many as you like.
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Physical Requirements: Everyone is welcome to participate, no experience is necessary. However, you must be in good enough physical condition to snowshoe up to 2 miles. This is the equivalent of hiking around 5 miles. If you have never been on snowshoes before, be aware that it uses different muscles than you might be used to!
*Children under 18 years of age are welcome as long as they can meet the physical requirements and are accompanied by a Parent/Guardian. Every year we also lead one overnight snow camping trip. These trips are designed for people with some experience in winter travel and in good physical condition. Participants must provide their own gear. Prerequisites: at least one regular tracking trip, basic understanding of outdoor safety, and the physical ability to do a full two days of backpacking on snowshoes. |
- All volunteers have the option to receive The Cascadia Wildlife Weekly Newsletter - which includes all the week's best wildlife photos and news - and have access to all of the season's camera photos.
- At the end of the season, we host a volunteer appreciation night to say thanks for your work!
- Volunteers also receive discounts on Cascadia Wild classes, programs, and workshops.
Equipment and logistics
Gear:
Cascadia Wild has 20 pairs of adult snowshoes and 2 pairs of kids snowshoes to loan out. When your trip leaders send you the details for your trip, let them know if you will need snowshoes and they will bring some for you.
Participants are responsible for supplying their own cold weather clothing, safety gear, lunch, and water. Click here for our packing list.
Cascadia Wild can provide a safety whistle and compass, and we have a limited assortment of cold weather clothing to loan out on a first-come-first-serve basis, such as outer jackets, fleece jackets, mittens, and hats. If you need to borrow clothing, contact us before your trip to be sure we have what you need.
Cascadia Wild has 20 pairs of adult snowshoes and 2 pairs of kids snowshoes to loan out. When your trip leaders send you the details for your trip, let them know if you will need snowshoes and they will bring some for you.
Participants are responsible for supplying their own cold weather clothing, safety gear, lunch, and water. Click here for our packing list.
Cascadia Wild can provide a safety whistle and compass, and we have a limited assortment of cold weather clothing to loan out on a first-come-first-serve basis, such as outer jackets, fleece jackets, mittens, and hats. If you need to borrow clothing, contact us before your trip to be sure we have what you need.
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Location:
All surveys take place in the Mt Hood National Forest. Transportation: In an effort to reduce our impact on the environment, we encourage participants to carpool to Mt Hood as much as possible. Carpools usually leave either from Cascadia Wild or the Gresham City Hall Park & Ride. Carpools leave at 8:30am sharp. Please arrive early so that you have time to check out safety gear and load into vehicles. Requirements for Drivers: Drivers must be comfortable driving in winter conditions, and highway regulations require that 2-wheel drive vehicles carry tire chains. A big thank you to all our drivers! Riders are encouraged to contribute $5-10 to acknowledge drivers' time, fuel, and mileage on their vehicles. |
Common winter tracking locations
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REady to start tracking?
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