9th Annual Northeast Wildlife Trackers Conference
Presentations and Concurrent Sessions
Saturday October 21, 2017
Keynote
9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. (KEYNOTE)
Title:
Ben Kilham
DESCRIPTION TO FOLLOW
Speakers
10:45 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.
Tracking Mammals on Solar Arrays
Dr. Brandi Van Roo – Framingham State University, Department of Biology
As part of a larger study of the impacts of solar arrays on field communities, I sampled mammal species composition of solar and control fields using box traps, track plates, and wildlife cameras. Initially, I mentored undergraduate research students through a pilot season, which taught them these valuable sampling techniques (as well as the challenges of field work). The following two summers, I conducted larger, more exhaustive surveys. Here I will provide some preliminary data, present samples of track plates and camera shots, and discuss some of the challenges of design and analysis that I discovered while using these sampling techniques.
11:30 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.
The Berkshire Wildlife Linkage: How wildlife tracking, computer models, and partnerships are building a regional wildlife corridor
Laura Marx – the Nature Conservancy – Massachusetts Chapter
The Berkshire Wildlife Linkage (aka Green Mts. to Hudson Highlands Linkage), is one of 9 wildlife corridors that allow wildlife to move across the Northern Appalachian Mountains. In the winter of 2013/14, a combination of wildlife tracking, computer modeling (Critical Linkages), and wildlife cameras were used to better understand wildlife movement across several priority roads within the Berkshire Wildlife Linkage. This presentation will recap that study and show how we continue to use wildlife tracking as a tool to ground truth other data and inspire habitat protection and infrastructure improvements across the Linkage.
Concurrent Session I
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Past and future uses of wildlife cameras at a statewide land trust: engaging the public and collecting ecological data (indoor session)
Julia Richburg & Sally Naser, The Trustees
The Trustees have been setting up wildlife cameras on our own properties and those on lands where we hold a conservation restriction for several years. Initially these cameras were used to get CR landowners and our members excited about the wildlife that occur on the properties and therefore the importance of protecting habitats. More recently, we have begun to think of new ways to use the data these cameras are providing to further evaluate the habitat value of our properties and the changes in wildlife populations or behavior due to our activities. This presentation will share some of our data, but will mostly provide an overview of how we anticipate using the information that we are getting from the cameras.
Trailing Wildlife: An Introduction to Strategies and Techniques (indoor session)
Nate Harvey, Cyber Tracking Conservation
The purpose of trailing is to follow a wildlife trail until the quarry comes into view and to do it without ever alerting the animal to our presence. In New England, we do this on White-tailed deer, Moose and Black bear. In this presentation, CyberTracker evaluator, Nate Harvey, discusses trailing techniques and practices for trackers of all skill levels.
Draw Your Way to Tracking Wisdom (indoor session)
Linda Spielman
Drawing tracks is a wonderful way to see more detail and appreciate the subtle energies and interrelationships in tracks. In this workshop you’ll get a gentle, non-judgmental introduction to drawing using simple solid objects. Then you can try your hand at drawing tracks from photos, or if you wish, items such as nuts, feathers, or bones.
Wildlife Tracking: The Basics (indoor session)
David Brown, David Brown’s Wildlife Services
This presentation will review the basics of wildlife tracking with an emphasis on finding and identifying evidence. Where, when and how to look for animal sign will be discussed. We will also examine the details of track morphology for a number of species and discuss ways of distinguishing some ‘look-alikes.’ Since many species use certain gaits for distinct purposes and conditions, we will also discuss identification by the patterns these gaits leave behind. The program is intended not only for novice trackers, but also for the more experienced who wish to tune-up their basic skills.
Mapping Software and Tracking
Matthew O’Mara
DESCRIPTION TO FOLLOW
Concurrent Session II
2:35 p.m. -4:00 p.m.
Marking Behavior: Recognizing Sign of Animal Communication (indoor session)
Janet Pesaturo, Winterberry Wildlife
Animals communicate through a variety of modes, including olfactory, visual, and auditory. We can study this by examining and interpreting the sign they leave behind, and by capturing their behavior with trail cameras. In this workshop, we will explore how animals communicate using photos of sign created by a variety of species, and trail camera photos and videos of them engaged in marking behavior.
Tracking IS the Moment (indoor/outdoor session)
George Leoniak, Mindful Tracker
Here we will mingle in the moment as we wander around the fields and woods of the site. We’ll allow tracking to happen spontaneously. What we find will become a mirror reflecting everything that’s happening in that moment. Our inner and outer experiences merge together in this event, and there’s no telling where the following moments will lead. Tracking happens in these moments, and it can’t really be explained. Tracking just needs to happen, and this “workshop” provides the opportunity to explore these moments together. Will you join me?
Tracking Tales and Forest Games(indoor session)
Lee Earl, The P.I.N.E. Project
Come join as we share stories and inspirations for tracking and awareness skills! We will play a few games and practice some easy connective practices to work with in the field whether alone or with groups. From simple storytelling to the art of questioning to stealth and camouflage, all skill levels are welcome!
Tracking Mountain Lions and Other Wildlife of the Southwest (indoor session)
David Brown, David Brown’s Wildlife Services
This program will present photos and anecdotes from tracking adventures in north-central Arizona. The main species sought after in the presenter’s many trips to the area is the mountain lion. Finding sign of this elusive predator is challenging, but interpreting it to gain insight into its habits and life history worth the effort. The sign of other wildlife will also be discussed including that of collared peccary, elk, mule deer and badger as well as the omnipresent gray fox and bobcat
Tracking to Protect Urban Wildlife Habitat: Lessons from the Burlington Mammal Tracking Project (indoor session)
Sophie Mazowita, Founder, Burlington Mammal Tracking Project and Burlington Wildlife Tracking Club
The Burlington VT Mammal Tracking Project was initiated in 2015 to document large mammal presence and build up a community of trackers in Vermont’s most urban area. It is now informing development projects and how the City of Burlington manages and preserves its open space. This presentation will feature the story of this volunteer-led initiative, charting ways that trackers can share their wealth of local wildlife knowledge to protect wildlife corridors and connect with collaborators. It will also feature photos and videos of wildlife findings, from downtown mink and otter to backyard fisher and fox.
Double Session
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Forest Movement: Elements of Moving Freely on the Landscape (indoor/outdoor session)
Dave Muska – Ondatra Adventures
This workshop is designed to enhance one’s experience tracking and trailing with the fundamentals of natural movement and awareness. The knowledge and techniques presented will include dynamic physical movement, quieting the inner landscape & outer landscape of self, as well as bird language and how it is applied in the field.