Ecosystem Awareness: Wildlife Tracking & Ecology Basics
Northwest Natura in Collaboration with Mark Thompson
Saturday February 22nd, 2025
10:30am to 2:30pm
Whatcom County (location will be ~40 minutes outside of Bellingham)
Exact details TBD. Mark & Jazmen will scout for the best area to take this class in the week prior to the event and notify all registered participants. Please join naturalist, Jazmen Yoder (Northwest Natura) and expert wildlife tracker, Mark Thompson for an immersive day of exploration focused on wildlife track and sign in a stunning landscape near the Nooksack River. This course is designed for nature enthusiasts, aspiring naturalists, and anyone curious about the “big picture” of our local ecosystems, and improving their skills in identifying wildlife track and sign. This will be a fun course with tons of educational content!
Space is limited!
Course highlights:
Introduction to Tracking Techniques:
Learn the fundamentals of tracking including how to read animal signs, tracks, and behaviors. We'll cover essentials for successful tracking in various terrains.
This course will be tailored to the individuals present but is designed as a beginner’s course. However, if you are not a beginner, this course is still choice. Mark Thompson is an expert tracker with the ability to teach all skill levels including absolute beginners to advanced or specialized individuals.
Identifying local species:
Discover the diverse wildlife of the PNW, including mammals and birds (and amphibians if we're lucky!). Through field observations and discussions, you'll gain insight into their habitats and behaviors.
Connecting with the ecosystem:
Observe plant-wildlife and fungi-wildlife relationships and see the ecosystem at work. From minute details we can learn what is happening in the bigger picture. Discussions will include points on habitat preservation and native plant conservation.
Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this course offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of the natural world. Prepare to explore the trails, connect with fellow nature lovers, and enhance your outdoor skills in the breathtaking Nooksack River valley.
What to bring:
Dress for the weather
Snack, lunch, and plenty of water
Extra layers (gloves, hat, etc.)
Water resistant footwear (be prepared to cross shallow streams and puddles)
You may also want to bring:
Notebook and pen (NWN has weatherproof pocket notebooks for sale)
Bear spray
DSLR camera
Your favorite field guide (mushrooms, plants, wildlife)
Details on precise location, including driving directions, and what to bring will be emailed to registered participants a few days prior to the event. Please make sure you add nwnatura@gmail.com to your contacts list so our email makes it to your inbox.
See you in the woods!
Northwest Natura in Collaboration with Mark Thompson
Saturday February 22nd, 2025
10:30am to 2:30pm
Whatcom County (location will be ~40 minutes outside of Bellingham)
Exact details TBD. Mark & Jazmen will scout for the best area to take this class in the week prior to the event and notify all registered participants. Please join naturalist, Jazmen Yoder (Northwest Natura) and expert wildlife tracker, Mark Thompson for an immersive day of exploration focused on wildlife track and sign in a stunning landscape near the Nooksack River. This course is designed for nature enthusiasts, aspiring naturalists, and anyone curious about the “big picture” of our local ecosystems, and improving their skills in identifying wildlife track and sign. This will be a fun course with tons of educational content!
Space is limited!
Course highlights:
Introduction to Tracking Techniques:
Learn the fundamentals of tracking including how to read animal signs, tracks, and behaviors. We'll cover essentials for successful tracking in various terrains.
This course will be tailored to the individuals present but is designed as a beginner’s course. However, if you are not a beginner, this course is still choice. Mark Thompson is an expert tracker with the ability to teach all skill levels including absolute beginners to advanced or specialized individuals.
Identifying local species:
Discover the diverse wildlife of the PNW, including mammals and birds (and amphibians if we're lucky!). Through field observations and discussions, you'll gain insight into their habitats and behaviors.
Connecting with the ecosystem:
Observe plant-wildlife and fungi-wildlife relationships and see the ecosystem at work. From minute details we can learn what is happening in the bigger picture. Discussions will include points on habitat preservation and native plant conservation.
Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this course offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of the natural world. Prepare to explore the trails, connect with fellow nature lovers, and enhance your outdoor skills in the breathtaking Nooksack River valley.
What to bring:
Dress for the weather
Snack, lunch, and plenty of water
Extra layers (gloves, hat, etc.)
Water resistant footwear (be prepared to cross shallow streams and puddles)
You may also want to bring:
Notebook and pen (NWN has weatherproof pocket notebooks for sale)
Bear spray
DSLR camera
Your favorite field guide (mushrooms, plants, wildlife)
Details on precise location, including driving directions, and what to bring will be emailed to registered participants a few days prior to the event. Please make sure you add nwnatura@gmail.com to your contacts list so our email makes it to your inbox.
See you in the woods!
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