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We are happy to run custom workshops, talks, or walks for interested groups or individuals. Our programs vary in length from an hour to several weeks. If you would like to host an event, please drop us an email at NorthernNaturalists@gmail.com.

PAST WORKSHOPS FROM 2011:

Winter Tracking - 4-day workshop
Location: Near Amherst, MA; meeting spots will vary each day
Dates: Feb 12-13 (Sat/Sun) & Feb 19-20 (Sat/Sun), 2011, 9:30am - 4:30pm
Cost: $200, inquire for scholarship opportunities

Overview:
During 4 full field days, we will explore local forests, fields, wetlands, and other habitats. Expect to encounter signs of the majority of the local mammal species, from mink to moose. Immersion in the tracking experience will allow both beginners and experienced trackers to expand their skills. By looking at the footprints and other traces that animals leave behind, we will investigate the interactions taking place across the landscape. This will be an excellent opportunity to learn from each other about mammals, insects, winter plant identification, bird vocalizations, and other natural history tidbits.

Ecology Through Animal Tracking - full academic course
Location: Hampshire College, Amherst, MA
Dates: January 3-20, 2011
Cost: Free for Amherst, Smith, Mt. Holyoke or Hampshire College students; $600 for other Community Members
Course Info at Hampshire College Website ( http://www.hampshire.edu/academics/5035.htm )

Overview:
This course will provide students with a field experience based understanding of animal ecology. How do animals interact with their biotic and abiotic community? What are the key resources animals need to survive a New England winter? What different strategies do mammals use to acquire these resources? We will seek answers to these questions through the lens of animal tracking. This low-tech, non-intrusive technique can provide both rigorous and intuitive understanding of wildlife habits and habitats. The bulk of the course will be spent in the field visiting the major local habitat types. In each habitat, we will discuss the interactions among the animal, plant, and abiotic components occurring there. Each student will be expected to undertake an independent project related to animal tracking as well as keep a daily journal and keep up with assigned readings in texts and scientific literature. This course will entail considerable winter hiking.

Specific Topics Covered:
  • Habitat types in New England
  • Habitat succession
  • Territory marking
  • Hunting and feeding
  • Movement gaits
  • Foot morphology
  • Den sites
  • Tracking techniques









Images ©Charley Eiseman/Noah Charney