OFFERINGS
WILDLIFE TRACKING INTENSIVES
ANIMAL TRACKING
PROGRAMS & TRIPS
BIRDING BY EAR & OTHER WORKSHOPS
NATURE WALKS & WILDLIFE SURVEYS
Women's Wildlife Tracking Intensive
January - June, 2024
Dates: January 13, February 10, March 2, April 20, May 18 and June 22 (note that Sundays of the same weekends are back-up weather dates)
Variety of locations within 30 minutes of Greenfield, Mass
Join a small group of women trackers for a 6-month long wildlife tracking intensive. Programs take place in various locations in western Massachusetts (mainly) and southern Vermont (possibly) in both winter and summer months. Participants will become more proficient with their identification of track and sign of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates, learn to recognize and understand animal gaits and track patterns, and be encouraged to pursue independent learning projects.
This course is geared to women with any amount of tracking experience who are looking to deepen their knowledge and hone their skills. It is also open to those with no prior tracking experience but who are motivated and committed to learning as these are the primary prerequisites. All female-identifying trackers are welcome.
Cost: $725 ($625 for early bird registration if registered and paid in full by September 1, 2023 and for returning participants). A minimum $150 deposit is required to reserve a space in the program, with the remainder paid in full by December 1, 2023.
Note that enrollment for 2024 is full.
2025 Women's Wildlife Tracking Intensive begins in January. Dates TBD. Contact Kathy for more information or to request an application.
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Tracking to a New Level: Wildlife Tracking Intensive for Experienced Trackers
2025 dates TBD.
Variety of locations within 30 minutes of Greenfield, Mass
Join a small group of experienced and highly motivated trackers for a 6-month long wildlife tracking intensive. Programs take place in various locations in western Massachusetts (mainly) and southern Vermont (possibly) in both winter and summer months. Participants will become more proficient with their identification and interpretation of track and sign of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates, deepen their understanding of animal locomotion and track patterns and receive guidance with independent learning projects.
This course is geared to adult trackers (all genders welcome) with a good deal of tracking experience who have devoted considerable dirt time and study toward the honing of their tracking skill set and who wish to continue to deepen and broaden their knowledge and interpretive abilities as wildlife trackers.
2025 Tracking to a New Level Intensive begins in January, Dates TDB. Contact Kathy for more information or to request an application.
Summer Track & Sign Day
July 13 , 2024, 9am - 3:30pm
(Rain date: July 14 , 2024)
Location TBD (within 30 minutes of Greenfield, Massachusetts)
The summer season for wildlife tracking can take us to many different types of habitats, including along river banks, across sand plains and even along silt-covered roads of agricultural fields or puddle-laden dirt roads. These are places we will consider in our quest to find tracks and other sign that animals leave in their wake, and to weave together the fascinating stories of their lives, In addition to identifying tracks and trail patterns of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, we will be paying attention to many other features of the landscape which reveal the presence of animal's lifeways. All adults and all levels welcome.
Contact Kathy for more information or to register. Note that group size is limited.
Cost: $135 ($110 discount extended to July 12th!)
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Women’s Track & Sign Evaluation
June 1 & 2, 2024
Location within 30 minutes of Greenfield, Massachusetts
Evaluator Daniel Hansche (they/them) of Spur Wander will be assisted in the field by Kathy Dean (she/her) of Trotting Fox Programs. Our intention is to create a positive experience for female-identifying trackers by creating this affinity space.
Participants will have the opportunity to be certified in Track & Sign through CyberTracker Conservation.
For more information or to register, visit https://trackercertification.com/event/track-sign-western-ma-for-women/
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Stories in the Snow: Winter Wildlife Tracking 2025
In addition to the above Tracking Intensives, other winter offerings will include weekend intensives, one day programs and half-day programs for all adults. Dates TBD. Stay tuned!
Contact Kathy if interested in being notified of upcoming programs.
Birding by Ear Workshops
May 11, 2024 & June 8, 2024
8am - 11am
Come to one or both!
Locations: 5/11 in Ashfield, MA
6/8 in Putney, VT
Have you ever wondered who is singing those love songs in the tree canopy, discreetly building a nest in your backyard, or scolding potential predators who have ventured too close for comfort? In this workshop we will be attuning our sense of hearing to the songs and calls of birds and what they are communicating with each other. Combining observation of birds’ vocalizations, behavior and movement patterns, we can deepen our understanding of the language of birds and what they have to teach us about the natural world. Come prepared to identify several different species by their songs and calls, and to gain deeper insight into the natural world through bird behavior and their language. All adults and all levels are welcome.
Contact Vermont Wilderness School https://vermontwildernessschool.org/birding-by-ear/ for more information or to register.
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Boning up on Mammal Skulls Workshop
October 19, 2024
Northeast Wildlife Trackers Conference, Charlton, MA
In this hands-on workshop, we begin with a discussion of skull anatomy and how that relates to animals’ natural history including their sensory adaptations and behavioral tendencies. Participants will then be guided in seeking out the identity of skulls using their newfound skull “tracking” skills. Multiple species of mammal skulls will be on hand as well as some reference materials. People are also encouraged to bring animal skulls from their own collections if they choose.
Learn more about or register for the 2024 Northeast Wildlife Trackers Conference taking place October 18-20 here: Northeast Wildlife Trackers Conference.
Contact Kathy if interested in scheduling a mammal skulls workshop in central New England.
Nature Walks & Programs
Kathy is available for custom-tailored nature awareness programs or walks with individuals or small groups within the regions of western Massachusetts or southern Vermont. She is also available for monthly one-on-one nature mentoring. Her areas of interest and expertise include wildlife track and sign, mammal behavior and bird language as well as the interconnections between local flora and fauna. She is also keenly interested in trees and shrubs, ferns, edible and medicinal mushrooms, edible and medicinal plants and well, every element and interrelationship of the natural world!
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Wildlife Surveys
If you are interested in learning more about who your wild neighbors are and where on the landscape you are more likely to find sign of their presence, Kathy is available to visit your land anytime over the course of a year to undertake surveys of animal tracks and sign as well as to document which resident and migratory birds are present in your area. And if you are keen on setting out trail cameras or camera traps to capture photos or video footage of wildlife living their fascinating lives, she is available to guide you in locating potential hot spots for animal activity. Kathy's insatiable curiosity about the natural world and her depth of understanding of animal behavior are key to optimizing opportunities for viewing and appreciating the myriad lifeways and interrelationships of wild animals on the landscape.
Fees for the above offerings are based on length of sessions, group sizes and potential locations. A fee structure will be sent upon request.
Contact Kathy to discuss your interests, any questions you may have or to schedule time to meet in person.