January 4 Wildlife Tracking Workshop

Join us for a series of four wildlife tracking workshops, each led by a local expert with experience in reading the winter outdoors. Workshops are suitable if you’re a  beginner or if you want to enhance your skills. All are welcome to attend one or more workshops. These workshops are jointly sponsored by the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, Rensselaer Land Trust, and Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center.

Cost is $20 for each workshop, $15 for members of RPA, RLT, and Friends of Dyken Pond. Space is limited, and you must register in advance online at www.renstrust.org, or contact 518-659-5263. Contact the trip leader with any questions. Dress appropriately for the cold, keeping in mind there will be periods of inactivity while looking at a track. Depending on snow/ice conditions, snowshoes/microspikes/proper footwear is needed. Bring extra layers for warmth, and hot drinks and hand/feet warmers.

January 4, 10 am - 1 pm, at Kinderhook Creek Preserve, East Nassau -- Tracking Basics with Josh Wood. We will focus on learning key characteristics in track identification, and begin to unravel various track patterns and how they correspond to the way the animal was moving, providing us with insight into its behavior and a window into its life. We will also look at other types of animal sign, gaining an increased awareness of the wildlife that surrounds us. Questions: contact Josh at josh@flyingdeernaturecenter.org. 

Josh Wood is the Program Director of Flying Deer Nature Center in East Chatham. He’s an avid tracker, naturalist and wilderness skills mentor. He leads a monthly tracking club in the East Chatham area.