A weekend of intensive tracking study, mentoring and field time. Learn to unlock the stories held in the tracks and trails of animals. Taken to a variety of habitats spread out through Rensselaer, Columbia and Berkshire counties, the participants will have the opportunity to see the tracks and sign of many non-human residents of this area written in the snow covered landscape. 

Participants will come away with a good basic understanding of :

- Foot Morphology

- Body movements and locomotion

- Habitat preferences and uses

- Life cycles

- Animal behavior

- In-depth discussion on animal behavior and natural history and how the animals and their environment shape each other

- How to combine all of these to interpret the sign we find

This course offers something for most skill levels from novice to intermediate

Tracking is an excellent way to have fun in winter while getting more connected to the natural world

Cost: 250-375.00 per person       15% discount if you bring a friend

Dates:  Feb. 3, 4

Times: 9:30- 4:00

Ages: 16 and up

12 Person maximun enrollment.  First come, first served

Is it a squirrel? Is it a Porcupine? is it a Fox? Spend some time with Dan Yacobellis examining animal tracks and you will learn many tools and tips to help you identify and decipher the story they tell. Tracking is as old as the hunting. An ancient art/science that helped us modern day humans become who we are.

Come explore the forest and diverse of Mountaintop Arboretum to see the tracks, trails and signs the animal residents leave behind.

Date: Jan. 27, 2024

Time: 10-12:30 and 1-3

Location: Mountian Top Arboretum

                    Tannersville, NY

Ages: 10-up

Registration: Click Here

This world renown standard of excellence in skills assessment and training is a "can't be missed" opportunity for any wildlife tracker who enjoys expanding their skill set. Both days will be full days in the field from 8:30 - 4:00 as participants are asked a total of over 50 questions on a wide range of sign. Each question gets a full breakdown and explanation before moving on to the next, so it's a deep dive tracking workshop too!

Learn more about Cyber Tracker here

Cost- 350 - 450 sliding scale

Location- Border areas of Columbia and Rensselaer Co.'s New York

Ages: 16 and up

11 person limit

Come explore one of the RPA conservation properties in rensselaer county. These tracts of land are usually ecologically or culturally significant parcels that are now preserved for the ecological integrity of the Rensselaer Plateau and public benefit. 

We'll get a glimpse at the wildlife that lives here and discover who our "wild" neighbors are!

Held in a variety of locations near the capital district of NY, this is chance to get outside with other nature enthusiasts to learn, explore and connect

When: Monthly, 2nd Sunday 

Time: 8:45- 12:30

Cost: By Donation

10 person maximum. First come/first serve.

Please email to receive specific location information

Date: TBA

Time: TBA

Location: TBA

Registration: TBA

Come meet the wonderful folks at Flying Deer Nature Center. Join us as we explore the grounds where countless children make life connections to nature. Learn the language of animal track & sign to see what animals make room for them as they play and learn!

Date: Feb. 26

Time: 9:00- 3:00

Ages: Adult and teen

Location: Flying Deer Nature Center, East Chatham, NY

Registration: Flyingdeer Nature Center

Come wander the fields and ravines of the Bioreserve, located just on the edge of downtown Albany. This secret garden of wildness provides habitat for diverse species of birds, mammals and reptiles. Learn how to identify the animal inhabitants through the tracks and sign they leave behind and get a glimpse into their daily lives and routines.

TBA