This two-day workshop will dive deeply into the various aspects of accurately interpreting tracks and signs of our local wildlife. We will learn specific foot morphology for local species, the gaits they use and patterns that result, and the diverse signs of feeding, bedding, and territory marking that they leave behind. We will explore roles, behaviors and personalities of our wildlife as it relates to their sign, cover respectful practices in tracking, and also discuss the deep connectivity and benefits we can receive from making tracking and reading sign part of our perception of and relationship to the Natural World.
Each day will consist of lessons in these and other aspects of tracking, and trips to various locations for observing tracks and sign of a wide array of species. This course is designed for those looking to gain accuracy and foundation in wildlife tracking, whether for personal growth and connection to the Natural Realm, purposes in outdoor education, work in the biological sciences, and/or preparation for Cybertracker certifications. We will be in an outdoor classroom for parts of this program and out covering diverse and occasionally challenging terrain.
Date: Saturday and Sunday, September 30 and October 1, 2023
Time: 9-4:30
Ages: 18+ years (ages 13-17 may attend with an adult participant)
Location: La Farge area primarily, with trips to areas not more than an hour away.
Lunch is included on both days.
Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines
Supporter Level Ticket: $280
Sustainer Level Ticket: $230
Supported Level Ticket: $180
Instructions: Notebook with blank pages and photographing device should be brought. Other recording devices are welcome. Optics are encouraged. A moderate backpack should come each day with necessary items and water, and any extra clothing needed for the weather. Please dress for conditions and in solid shoes. We will be venturing out to various locations in addition to outdoor classroom sessions.
Instructor Bio
Nicholas WazeeGale has been a lifelong student of Nature, traditional culture, and sustainability. He is passionate about Nature observation, living closely with the Earth and natural rhythms, hunting and gathering, craft and handwork, and community. He resides in the Driftless region with his wife and children and has taught for DFS, the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, and independently for almost 20 years. He is a certified wilderness guide and is a level 4 Track and Sign certificate holder through TCNA/Cybertracker. He and his wife Kindred earn their livelihood teaching outdoor skills and hand craft, running summer camps, and selling fine handcrafts through their business, WildRoots HandCrafts. [Instagram: @wildroots.handcrafts]
