Beginner and Family Winter Tracking Workshop

Description

Have you ever asked yourself questions like "Who left that track?" Can you tell the difference between a dog and a cat track? If you are curious about the natural world, wildlife tracking may open a window into new ways of seeing. Join us for a morning of reading the earth as we explore the mysteries left behind by wildlife on the coast of Maine. We will cover the track and sign identification process, as well as a bit of track patterns and interpretation. This event is geared toward beginners and families. We’ll have a slow pace and affirmation that no question is too basic! We will meet at The Naturalist’s Notebook at 9:00am to reference a selection of our favorite track and sign books and view a short presentation from Kareem with images of what we may encounter. We’ll depart for our excursion at 10am and meet in the upper parking lot at Land and Garden Preserve’s Little Long Pond. We’ll journey to the Pond’s edge in search for signs of wildlife. The excursion will last two hours, and afterward there will be an optional meet back at The Naturalist’s Notebook to debrief. Participants should dress for the weather, wear ice-grippers, and bring water. We will be outside for two or more hours consecutively. A notebook is optional but encouraged. Workshop leader Kareem A. Dieng is an avid naturalist, registered Maine Guide, wilderness first responder, and holds a Track and Sign level 1 certification from CyberTracker Conservation. Kareem also owns Rising Sun Adventure, a local guide service here on Mount Desert Island. Registration includes a copy of “Local Tracks of North America: Quick Guide to Commonly Seen Tracks and Scats” pocket guide to track identification.