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.